- Full-time | 12-months Fixed-term (strong potential for renewal)
- Bendigo, VIC
- $84,994.00 - $87,214.40 + superannuation + Salary Packaging
Help Aboriginal families navigate the legal system with culturally safe, practical support. Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is looking for a
Client Support Officer to join our Aboriginal Families Practice in Bendigo.
This is a
designated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position, established under Section 12 of the
Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
We are seeking someone with a strong connection to and experience engaging with Aboriginal communities who is passionate about supporting Aboriginal people and families to navigate the legal system.
About the role As a Client Support Officer, you will be an important cultural interface between Aboriginal community members, VALS lawyers and the court system.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will provide practical, culturally safe and client-focused support to people involved in child protection, family violence and family law matters.
Your work will include: - Providing casework support, including risk and needs assessments.
- Supporting clients at the Magistrates', Children's and Family Courts.
- Helping clients understand legal processes and terminology.
- Providing practical assistance such as transport, welfare checks, advocacy and referrals.
- Connecting clients with culturally appropriate community and support services through warm referrals.
- Building strong relationships with Aboriginal communities, courts, government agencies and community organisations.
- Representing VALS at regional forums, meetings and community networks.
- Maintaining accurate case notes and client records.
- Working collaboratively with lawyers, paralegals and other VALS teams to achieve positive outcomes for clients.
About Aboriginal Families Practice VALS' Aboriginal Families Practice provides specialist legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients across Victoria in family law, child protection and family violence matters.
The practice supports clients with matters including parenting orders, child recovery applications, lawyer-assisted mediations and intervention orders, with a strong focus on early resolution, cultural safety and accessible legal services.
About you We are looking for someone who is community-minded, culturally connected and confident supporting people through complex and sometimes stressful circumstances.
You will bring: - A strong connection to and experience engaging with the Aboriginal community.
- An understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal communities and the Victorian legal system.
- Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to explain information clearly and support clients to participate meaningfully in legal processes.
- The ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and contribute positively to a team.
- Experience or qualifications in community services, social work or a related field, or relevant experience with a willingness to undertake further study supported by VALS.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office and client record systems.
Why join VALS? VALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation with a long history of providing culturally safe legal and support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Established in 1973, our work spans criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice and specialist litigation, alongside broader community support and advocacy programs.
At VALS, your work will have a direct and meaningful impact on Aboriginal people and families. You will be part of a team that understands the importance of culture, community and trust in delivering effective legal services.
Mandatory requirements Successful applicants will be required to hold or obtain:
- A current Employee Working with Children Check
- A valid Victorian Driver Licence
- A National Criminal History Check
- Evidence of Australian work rights
This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. VALS strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process and welcome requests for reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment. If you are passionate about supporting Aboriginal families and want to make a practical difference in your community, we would love to hear from you.
