Local Justice Worker

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service; Morwell; Hybrid; AUD 85,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leave loading 17.5%

5 extra days annual leave

Salary packaging up to $15,900 via Max

Professional development opportunities

Supportive, culturally safe workplace

Job summary

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) in Morwell, VIC, is seeking Local Justice Workers to support Aboriginal clients navigating the justice system and complete community-based orders. This hands-on, community-facing role provides wrap-around support, including post-release reintegration, in partnership with courts, police and ACCOs.

The role suits those with experience in case management or social services, who thrive in outreach and relationship-based work and are committed to justice

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Aboriginal culture and commitment to culturally safe practice.
• Experience supporting people with complex needs, particularly in justice, community services or social support settings.
• Knowledge of the justice system and the challenges facing Aboriginal people within it.

Responsibilities

• Support Aboriginal clients to complete Community Correction Orders (CCOs) and parole conditions.
• Assist clients with court matters, fines, warrants, and justice obligations.
• Provide post-release and reintegration support for people transitioning from custody.
• Identify, establish and oversee community work placements and supervise mandated community work.
• Develop referrals and provide wrap-around support across health, housing, family and community services.
• Work collaboratively with Community Corrections, Courts, Police, Sheriff's Office and ACCOs.
• Facilitate culturally informed planning, including Yawal Mugadjina Cultural Journey Plans.
• Deliver community education on justice systems and obligations.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case notes, records and reports.

Skills

Cultural safety

Case management

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services

Job description

Make a Real Difference in Community Justice

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is a proud Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation providing culturally safe legal and wrap‑around support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Victoria.

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service – Morwell VIC

• $84,994.00 - $89,471.20 (dependant on experience)
• Hybrid (1-day WFH)
• Morwell, VIC
• Full‑time, 12 month Fixed‑term (strong potential for ongoing)

We are seeking Local Justice Workers to join our Community Justice Programs team and support Aboriginal people navigating the justice system - helping them complete community‑based orders, resolve fines and warrants, and successfully transition back into community.

This is a hands‑on, community‑facing role for someone who is passionate about justice reinvestment, early intervention, and culturally safe support.

About the Role

As a Local Justice Worker, you will provide practical, strengths‑based and culturally safe support to Aboriginal clients involved with the justice system. Working closely with Community Corrections, Courts, Police, custodial facilities and Aboriginal organisations, you will help reduce barriers, strengthen engagement, and improve justice outcomes.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in case management, community services, justice, youth work, or social support, who thrives in outreach and relationship‑based work.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Aboriginal clients to successfully complete Community Correction Orders (CCOs) and parole conditions
• Assist clients with court matters, fines, warrants, and justice obligations
• Provide post‑release and reintegration support for people transitioning from custody
• Identify, establish and oversee community work placements and supervise mandated community work
• Develop referrals and provide wrap‑around support across health, housing, family and community services
• Work collaboratively with Community Corrections, Courts, Police, Sheriff's Office and ACCOs
• Facilitate culturally informed planning, including Yawal Mugadjina Cultural Journey Plans
• Deliver community education on justice systems and obligations
• Maintain accurate, confidential case notes, records and reports

What We're Looking For

• Strong understanding of Aboriginal culture and commitment to culturally safe practice
• Experience supporting people with complex needs, particularly in justice, community services or social support settings
• Knowledge of the justice system and the challenges facing Aboriginal people within it
• Ability to build trusting relationships with clients, families and stakeholders
• Strong communication, organisation and case management skills
• Confidence working collaboratively across multiple agencies and services
• Resilience and professionalism when responding to complex or crisis situations

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience working in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO)
• Knowledge of local Aboriginal services and community networks

Mandatory Requirements

• Current Employee Working With Children Check
• Victorian Driver's Licence
• National Criminal History Check
• Eligibility to work in Australia
• Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services (desirable)

Why join VALS?

• 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 opportunitiesA supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment

VALS is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.