Aboriginal Youth, Family Centered Specialist

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

Please note: This opportunity is only available to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

Location: Preston, VIC | Full-Time | Fixed Term until June 2027

Salary: $115,065 – 119, Super + Salary Packaging

About VALS

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has been advocating for and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since 1973. Our holistic services span criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth legal services, 24/7 custody notification, housing, family violence programs, and much more. At VALS, we are committed to self-determination, equality, diversity, and inclusion and we are always evolving to meet community needs.

About the Role: Aboriginal Youth, Family Centered Specialist

The Aboriginal Youth, Family Centered Specialist works directly with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people and their families to develop individualised plans that address barriers to wellbeing, education, and employment. The role delivers life skills support—including literacy, numeracy, job readiness, licensing, and conflict resolution - while building confidence, self-esteem, and culturally safe coping strategies. Practitioners provide flexible, assertive outreach, connect participants to cultural and community networks, coordinate access to specialist services, and support young people through court processes where needed. Operating from a culturally holistic, strengths-based, and whole-of-family approach, this role requires strong cultural competence, the ability to navigate complex service systems, and a commitment to amplifying young people's voices in their own care journeys. The position involves working collaboratively and independently in community settings, often outside standard business hours, and includes regular supervision, reflective practice, and engagement in therapeutic consultation to support ongoing professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Build individualised plans with young people to overcome barriers.
• Deliver life skills support (literacy, numeracy, CVs, licensing, conflict resolution).
• Help build confidence, self-esteem, and coping strategies.
• Connect participants to cultural and community networks.
• Coordinate brokerage for specialist services and support pathways into education or employment.
• Support young people during court processes when needed.
• Attend all mandatory training sessions, including Equal Employment Opportunity, Occupational Health and Safety, Cultural Safety, and any other training deemed essential for the role.

Key Selection Criteria

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people and their families, particularly those with complex needs.
• Proven ability to provide flexible, assertive outreach services that are responsive to client needs.
• Experience navigating complex service systems to ensure wraparound support for participants.
• Demonstrated ability to work from a culturally holistic, individual, and whole-of-family approach.
• Experience working across service intersections, including family services, family violence, youth justice, and therapeutic supports.
• Availability to work outside standard business hours (e.g., 11am–7pm) to meet family needs.

Qualities and Cultural Responsiveness

• Strong ability to develop rapport with Aboriginal young people and families, and work effectively in community settings.
• Demonstrated cultural competence, including awareness of intergenerational trauma, the impacts of colonisation, and ongoing systemic inequalities.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise initiative, manage conflict, and de-escalate tense situations.
• Commitment to amplifying Aboriginal young peoples' voices in care planning and support pathways.
• Awareness and sensitivity to the specific needs of Aboriginal children and families involved in the justice system.

Mandatory Requirements

The successful applicant must be able to provide or be willing to obtain:

• Current Employee Working with Children Check
• National Criminal History Police Check
• Proof of full vaccination or valid medical exemption
• Proof of Australian work rights (e.g. passport, birth certificate, or visa)
• Current valid Victorian Driver's Licence

Why Join VALS?

We offer a supportive, flexible, and culturally safe working environment with a range of attractive benefits, including:

• 17.5% Leave Loading
• 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
• Time in Lieu (TOIL) system for any hours worked beyond your contracted 21 hours per week
• Access to company vehicles for work-related travel
• Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
• Opportunity to work alongside a passionate team committed to delivering culturally appropriate legal and support services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

How to Apply

To apply, please provide:

• A covering letter introducing yourself and explaining your suitability for the role
• A statement addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria (please note: applications without this will not be considered)
• Your current resume, including education, professional experience, and two referees

Submit your application the subject line: 'Application for Aboriginal Youth, Family Centered Specialist Position at VALS'

VALS actively encourages and supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. This designated position provides a culturally safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where your knowledge and lived experience are highly valued.

Please note:We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fees will be paid to agencies submitting candidates without a valid written agreement.