Program Manager, Child Support Legal Service

Victoria Legal Aid; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 131,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Hybrid work model

Generous leave benefits

Professional development opportunities

Gym and wellbeing facilities

Myki transport pass discount

Job summary

Victoria Legal Aid in Melbourne seeks an experienced legal professional to lead its Child Support Program. You will oversee legal services for child support and family law financial matters, managing a small Melbourne-based team and building capability across Victoria.

You will bring extensive child support and family law practice, plus strong leadership and interpersonal skills to influence at all levels. A current Australian practising certificate is required with federal court entitlement.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge and experience in child support matters and family law across state and federal jurisdictions.
• Proven people management, leadership, and team development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Victoria Legal Aid's Child Support Program across Victoria.
• Manage a small team of lawyers based in Melbourne and build capability across Victoria.
• Collaborate with private panel practitioners and community legal centres to deliver services.

Skills

Leadership

Child support knowledge

Family law practice

Communication

Job description

About this roleFull time ongoing positionSalary range: $131,154 - $155,000 plus superUp to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangementAbout the roleThe Child Support Program is a specialist team that works to ensure children of separated parents are financially supported in accordance with the law. The Program does this by providing legal advice and representation to payee and payer parents in accordance with VLA's guidelines.This role will lead and develop Victoria Legal Aid's (VLA) Child Support Program throughout Victoria by effectively designing and overseeing legal services for clients with child support and other family law financial matters. The role will manage a small team of lawyers based in Melbourne and build capability among lawyers across Victoria, including at private panel practitioners and community legal centres.This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.About youAs our ideal candidate, you will possess:Extensive knowledge and experience in child support matters and demonstrated legal practice experience in family law in both State and Commonwealth jurisdictionsDemonstrated people management and leadership capabilities including proven experience in developing, managing and motivating a team and fostering a cooperative and supportive team environment.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to use those skills to influence and negotiate with people across all levels.A current unrestricted Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner.Entitlement to practise in federal courts and courts exercising federal jurisdiction (entry on the High Court's Register of Practitioners).Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.About VLAWe offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1500+ staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.Employee benefitsA focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangementsHybrid work from home & office modelGenerous leave benefits, including:Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)Paid gender affirmation leaveFive days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar yearAnnual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentivesAttractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated LeasingDiscounted annual Myki public transport passesIndividual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goalsFree annual flu vaccinationsAccess to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD officeAccess to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.How to applyTo be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the following key selection criteria:Demonstrated people management and leadership capabilities including proven experience in developing, managing and motivating a team and fostering a cooperative and supportive team environment.Demonstrated legal practice experience with knowledge and experience in the practice of family law (including child support) in both State and Commonwealth jurisdictionsAbility to provide advice on legal issues and in the development and implementation of effective strategic advocacy initiatives.If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Sophie Meehan, Associate Director – Family Law on [phone] or [e-mail] agency applications will be accepted.Applications close by 11.59pm on Monday 26 October 2026.Other relevant informationIt is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.Job detailsJob Reference: VG/VLA/FYCL/1951256Location: Melbourne - CBDWork Type: Ongoing - full timeJob Function: LegalClassification: WVR 5.1 - 51LO5ASalary Range: $131,154 - $155,000Job Duration: OngoingDate posted: 12-Oct-2026Application Close Date: 26-Oct-2026