Assessor

Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 101,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria seeks Victims Financial Assistance Scheme officers to assess applications for financial support following violent crime. You will review evidence, apply laws and policies, and write decisions that explain your findings with care and fairness. This role supports victims and works with other services to ensure trauma-informed, culturally safe outcomes.

Join a team dedicated to fair outcomes and sensitive assistance for victims across Victoria.

Qualifications

• Experience reviewing applications and making fair decisions.
• Experience supporting victims, including those affected by family violence or sexual assault.
• Ability to read and apply laws and policies.
• Ability to communicate clearly and write decisions.
• Commitment to cultural safety and inclusive services.

Responsibilities

• review applications and approve payments under the law, policies and guidelines
• check key evidence and explain what applicants need to provide
• write clear decisions that explain the reasons for your findings
• guide staff to write trauma-informed statements that recognise each victim's experience
• work with other services to support fair decisions and improve care for victims.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Legal reading & applying laws

Weighing evidence

Trauma-informed approach

Education

Relevant qualification or experience in community services, social work, criminology, psychology, victim services or family violence

Job description

Help victims of crime access financial support as they recover from harm.

• Review applications and make fair decisions that can change lives.
• Help shape a new scheme that puts victims first.
• Use your skills to support a safer, fairer and more caring service.
• 4 x Fixed-term, full-time roles earning $100,894 - $114,476 per year, plus super.
• Role end dates are as follows: 3 x role ending 30 June 2027, 1 x role ending Feb 2028.

About us

The Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) is a landmark reform that will replace the judicially based Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal with an administrative scheme that prioritises the needs of victims and supports their recovery from violent crime. The FAS is highly anticipated by victims and stakeholders and represents a major leap forward in the Victorian Government's response to victims of crime. Established under the Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance Scheme) Act 2022 (the Act) the FAS will provide financial assistance through a simple and easy to navigate process that is fair, sensitive, and responsive to victims' needs. It will acknowledge harm done and be trauma informed, inclusive and culturally safe.

What you will do

You will review applications and decide who can receive financial support. You will help build a service that treats victims with care, respect and fairness. You will:

• review applications and approve payments under the law, policies and guidelines
• check key evidence and explain what applicants need to provide
• write clear decisions that explain the reasons for your findings
• guide staff to write trauma-informed statements that recognise each victim's experience
• work with other services to support fair decisions and improve care for victims.

About you

A relevant qualification or experience in community services, social work, criminology, psychology, victim services or family violence is highly desirable. You have experience supporting victims of crime, including people affected by family violence or sexual assault. You can read and apply laws, weigh evidence and make sound decisions. You know when to seek advice on complex or high-risk cases. You should also have:

• experience supporting victims and understanding the barriers faced by people from marginalised communities
• knowledge of family violence risks and the Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework
• a commitment to cultural safety and better outcomes for Aboriginal people, guided by self-determination
• strong problem-solving and communication skills to handle sensitive issues, work with others and support fair outcomes.

To learn even more about this role, please read the position description.

If you have any further questions, feel free to email Suzanne Frawley at [e-mail].

Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about our Aboriginal workforce strategy.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION : Child safety statement of commitment

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.