Bail and Remand Support Program Writer

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service; Mildura; On-site; AUD 72,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

35-hour week

5 days leave per year

Job summary

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is seeking a thoughtful Bail and Remand Support Program Report Writer to join our Community Justice Programs team in Mildura. You will prepare culturally informed Aboriginal Bail Reports for adults appearing before the Court in bail matters, using interviews, socio-historical research and client information.

This role requires working directly with clients in custodial and community settings, gathering detailed context on identity, cultural

Qualifications

• Strong writing and research skills with the ability to produce professional reports.
• Understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture.
• Experience interviewing clients and handling sensitive information.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct culturally safe interviews with clients.
• Gather information on identity, life experiences and supports.
• Undertake socio-historical, cultural and collateral research.
• Prepare high-quality Aboriginal Bail Reports within short court timeframes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support bail planning.
• Maintain accurate case notes and confidentiality.
• Participate in supervision and professional development.
• Contribute to program development.

Skills

Research skills

Interviews

Report writing

Cultural awareness

Privacy & confidentiality

Travel

Tools

Microsoft Office

Client information systems

Job description

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service – Mildura VIC

• Salary: $84,994.00 + superannuation + salary packaging

• Location: Mildura, VIC
• Full-time | 12-month Fixed-term
• Salary: $84,994.00 + superannuation + salary packaging

Make your writing matter.

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is looking for a thoughtful, culturally informed and highly skilled Bail and Remand Support Program Report Writer to join our Community Justice Programs team.

This is an opportunity to use your research, interviewing and report writing skills to make a meaningful difference at a critical point in the justice system.

As a Report Writer, you will prepare culturally informed Aboriginal Bail Reports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults appearing before the Court in bail matters. Your work will help ensure that decision-makers have access to important information about a person's Aboriginal identity, cultural connections, life experiences, circumstances and available supports.

You will work directly with clients in both custodial and community settings, often within tight court timeframes. You will listen carefully, gather information from a range of sources, undertake cultural and socio-historical research, and turn that information into concise, balanced and evidence-based reports.

This is a role where the quality of your work can directly influence how a person's circumstances are understood within the justice system.

About the Bail and Remand Support Program

The Bail and Remand Support Program is an Aboriginal-led, place-based initiative operating across VALS' North Metro Melbourne and Mildura regions.

The program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults who are at risk of remand or currently on bail. It brings together culturally informed reporting and practical support to help clients navigate the early and often challenging stages of the bail process.

You will work closely with the Bail and Remand Support Coordinator, legal representatives, families, Aboriginal organisations, courts, correctional facilities and other service providers to support a coordinated and culturally safe approach.

About the role

Your day-to-day work will include:

• Conducting culturally safe interviews with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in custodial and community settings.
• Gathering information about clients' circumstances, Aboriginal identity, cultural connections, significant life experiences and available supports.
• Undertaking socio-historical, cultural and collateral research to develop a comprehensive understanding of each client's circumstances.
• Preparing high-quality Aboriginal Bail Reports within short court timeframes.
• Gathering and analysing information from clients, family members, legal representatives, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and relevant service providers.
• Working collaboratively with the Bail and Remand Support Coordinator to identify practical supports, referral pathways and proposed bail planning.
• Liaising with courts, legal representatives, correctional facilities, Aboriginal organisations and other stakeholders.
• Maintaining accurate case notes and records while handling sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Participating in professional and cultural supervision, reflective practice and ongoing professional development.
• Contributing to the ongoing development and continuous improvement of the Bail and Remand Support Program.

You will need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly and where the ability to exercise sound judgement, manage sensitive information and meet deadlines is essential.

About you

We are looking for someone who combines excellent writing and research skills with strong cultural awareness and an ability to build trust with people whose experiences may be complex or distressing.

You will bring:

• Strong research skills, including literature review, stakeholder interviews and other information-gathering methods.
• A sound understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and the barriers experienced by Aboriginal communities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to produce high-quality professional reports.
• Demonstrated ability to interview and engage people to elicit sensitive personal, cultural and community information.
• Experience managing competing priorities and working effectively with clients with complex needs.
• Understanding of Victorian Aboriginal communities, including cultural awareness and protocols.
• Strong understanding of the criminal justice system, particularly bail and remand.
• Excellent report writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality and comply with relevant privacy requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and client information management systems.
• A willingness and ability to travel throughout the designated service region.

Desirable

It would be advantageous if you have:

• An undergraduate qualification in law, psychology, social work, social sciences or another relevant field, or are currently studying in one of these disciplines.
• Knowledge of the Victorian Bail Act and Victorian court processes.
• Experience preparing professional reports, assessments or other complex written documents.
• Experience working within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

About VALS

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and Victoria's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Established in 1973, VALS provides culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice and specialist litigation. Our broader services include a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, transitional housing, family violence programs, one-to-one client support and community legal education.

At VALS, you will be part of an organisation working to strengthen access to justice, support Aboriginal communities and reduce over-incarceration through early intervention, diversion and holistic support.

Why work with VALS?

• Make a meaningful difference: Your work will contribute to more culturally informed justice processes.
• Work with purpose: Join an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation with more than 50 years of history advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Culturally informed practice: Work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals and community-focused programs.
• Professional development: Access professional supervision, cultural supervision, reflective practice and ongoing learning.
• Salary packaging: Access the benefits available to eligible VALS employees.
• 35-hour work week
• 5 additional days of leave per year

Mandatory requirements

Successful applicants will be required to hold or obtain:

• A current Employee Working with Children Check.
• A valid Victorian driver's licence.
• A National Criminal History Check.
• Evidence of Australian work rights.
• Relevant qualifications or current study as outlined above.

Ready to make your writing count?

If you are a strong writer and researcher who understands the importance of culturally safe practice and wants to contribute to better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the justice system, we would love to hear from you.