Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) Worker

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 76,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leave loading 17.5%

5 extra days annual leave

Salary packaging up to AU$15,900

Professional development opportunities

Supportive, culturally safe workplace

Job summary

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service – Balit Ngulu program in Melbourne (Preston) is seeking an Aboriginal Community Engagement Worker. You will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, build community links, and connect them with legal and non-legal services to promote safety, wellbeing and engagement with the justice system.

This 12-month fixed term contract offers strong potential for renewal, a culturally safe workplace, professional development, and a salary of AU$84,994

Qualifications

• Strong connection to and lived experience within Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Experience working with Aboriginal young people.
• Knowledge of issues impacting access to justice for Aboriginal children and young people, ideally in Victoria.
• Ability to work collaboratively with ACCOs, courts, police, youth justice and child protection services.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound computer literacy and record-keeping skills.
• Understanding of the Victorian youth justice system, including Children’s Court practices.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector, preferably within an ACCO.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and support navigation of legal and community systems.
• Provide client liaison, advocacy, and warm referrals to ACCOs and other services.
• Support attendance at court and participation in legal and non-legal proceedings.
• Contribute to holistic case planning with internal teams and external partners.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records and documentation.
• Assist with court documents and other administrative requirements as directed.
• Represent Balit Ngulu positively within community and partner forums.
• Participate in travel, events and projects as required.

Skills

Cultural safety

Communication

Advocacy

Relationship-building

Education

Certificate IV or Diploma in Youth Work

Job description

Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) Worker

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service – Preston VIC

$84,994 - $84,994 a year

Contract, Full time

3d ago , from Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

Employment Type:Full-time, 12-month Fixed Term Contract (Strong potential for renewal)
Location:Preston, VIC
Salary: $84,994.00plus superannuation and salary packaging benefits (based on experience)

Make a meaningful difference with Aboriginal young people

Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is seeking a dedicated Aboriginal Community Engagement Worker to join Balit Ngulu, our specialist youth justice program. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, strengthening community connections, and contributing to culturally safe, holistic pathways away from the justice system.

About Balit Ngulu

Balit Ngulu means“Strong Voice”in the Woi Wurrung language. The program provides specialised, culturally safe legal assistance and case management to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people involved in the criminal legal system across Melbourne and Greater Shepparton.
Balit Ngulu works alongside young people, families, and community to support early intervention, diversion, and long-term wellbeing, with a strong focus on community empowerment and holistic care.

Why Join Us?

• 17.5% Leave Loading
• 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
• Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
• Opportunity to work alongside a passionate, culturally committed team
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment

About the role

As the Aboriginal Community Engagement Worker, you will work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to support their safety, wellbeing, and engagement with both legal and non-legal services. You will provide culturally responsive case support, assist young people through court and related processes, and build strong partnerships with community and service providers.
This is a hands-on, relationship-based role that sits at the intersection of youth work, advocacy, and community engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and support them to navigate legal and community systems
• Provide client liaison, advocacy, and warm referrals to ACCOs and other relevant services
• Support young people to attend court and participate in legal and non-legal proceedings
• Contribute to holistic case planning with internal teams and external partners
• Maintain accurate and timely client records and documentation
• Assist with court documents and other administrative requirements as directed
• Represent Balit Ngulu positively within community and partner forums
• Participate in travel, events, and projects as required

What you’ll bring

• Strong connection to and lived experience within Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community(ies)
• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal young people
• Knowledge of issues impacting access to justice and support services for Aboriginal children and young people, ideally in Victoria
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with ACCOs, courts, police, youth justice, and child protection services
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Sound computer literacy and record-keeping skills
• Understanding of the Victorian youth justice system, including Children’s Court practices and relevant legislation
• Experience working within a whole-family and whole-community approach
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector, preferably within an ACCO

Qualifications and requirements

• Certificate IV or Diploma in Youth Work (or equivalent experience). Support to obtain qualifications may be available
• Current Employee Working with Children Check
• National Criminal History Check
• Valid Victorian Driver Licence
• Evidence of right to work in Australia

About VALS

VALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and the only statewide specialist legal and support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria. For over 50 years, we have delivered culturally safe legal services across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, alongside wrap-around supports including youth justice, family violence programs, housing, custody notification services, and community legal education.

Does this sound like the place for you?

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