Social Worker

This role offers a unique opportunity to provide trauma-informed case management, conduct legal pre-court conferences, and deliver crucial support during high-stakes court proceedings—both in Melbourne and across regional Victoria.

Social Worker. Full time, fixed term until January 2028. Applications close on 11:59pm 13 August 2026.

About the role:

As a Social Worker within the Victim and Witness Assistance Service (VWAS), you will play a critical role in supporting victims, witnesses, and their families through the complex indictable criminal justice process. Embedded directly within our legal practice teams, you will work alongside solicitors and prosecutors to ensure victims and witnesses are informed, prepared, and supported at every stage. 

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Trauma-Informed Support & Case Management: Deliver specialised assistance, risk/needs assessments, and referrals for complex cases, particularly those involving sexual assault, family violence, grief, and loss.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Partner directly with instructing solicitors and Crown Prosecutors during legal conferences, debriefs, and trial preparations to keep victims and witnesses fully informed and supported.
• Expert Consultation: Provide professional advice to internal legal teams, informants, and external support agencies on best practices for engaging with vulnerable victims and witnesses.
• Regional Circuit Court Support: Travel to regional circuit courts across Victoria (vehicle and multi-night accommodation provided) to deliver continuity of care to regional communities.
• Service Innovation: Maintain file records in accordance with AASW standards and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that shape the future of victim support in Victoria.

What You'll Bring

• Specialist Expertise: Extensive experience in complex case management, with a deep understanding of trauma, loss, grief, and the impacts of sexual assault and family violence on adults and children.
• Criminal Justice Knowledge: A sound understanding of the Victorian criminal justice system, relevant legislation, and policy affecting victims of crime (or the ability to quickly acquire it).
• Communication & Resilience: Superior interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate sensitive issues, manage high-demand environments, and communicate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexibility & Initiative: High self-awareness, sound judgement, and a willingness to travel to regional Victoria as required.
• Qualifications: Eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) or a suitable equivalent.

About Us:

The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is an independent statutory authority responsible for conducting serious criminal prosecutions across Victoria on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Our team, consisting of over 475 skilled professionals, supports the work of the DPP, the Chief Crown Prosecutor, and Crown Prosecutors. We strive to be a criminal justice system leader and a dynamic organisation, continually adapting to deliver effective outcomes for our people and the community.

At the heart of the criminal justice system are people – practitioners and the community we serve. Our vision is to lead in legal excellence, fostering an innovative, supportive environment with a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and professional excellence.

Apply Now:

Applications must contain a resume and cover letter.

You will be required to complete the online Key Selection Criteria questions located on the last page of the online application form. A separate document responding to the key selection criteria is not required.

Applications clo se on 11.59pm 13 August 2026.

In accordance with the VPS recruitment process all candidates are subject to complete a pre-employment misconduct screening declaration. Further information is available on the VPSC website:  https://vpsc.vic.gov.au/resources/pre-employment-screening-misconduct-victorian-public-service/

The OPP is committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.  People from all cultural backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, particularly applicants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, or those who may experience disability related barriers in securing employment.