About the role

As a Witness Assistance Officer (WAS), you will play an important role in supporting people as they navigate the criminal justice process. Working as part of a dedicated and collaborative team, you will contribute to ensuring witnesses are informed, supported and treated with professionalism, respect, and sensitivity throughout their engagement with the organisation.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, building trusted relationships, and making a positive difference through the delivery of high-quality services. This is a high-volume casework role that requires sound judgement, strong communication skills and the ability to manage sensitive matters with discretion and empathy while operating within established legislative and policy frameworks.

You will work closely with legal practitioners, investigators, and a range of internal and external stakeholders to help deliver a coordinated and trauma informed service. Every day presents different challenges, providing opportunities to apply your skills, think critically and contribute to meaningful outcomes.

What will you bring?

You are a compassionate and resilient professional who is committed to supporting people through what can often be a challenging and unfamiliar experience. You communicate with empathy, professionalism and respect, building trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and exercising sound judgement in sensitive situations.

To be successful in this role, you must hold a tertiary qualification in Social Work and be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Your professional knowledge enables you to respond thoughtfully to the diverse needs of witnesses while working within legislative, ethical and organisational frameworks.

You bring well-developed casework and interpersonal skills including the ability to build positive relationships with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders. You remain calm under pressure, are comfortable managing competing priorities and adapt your approach to meet individual circumstances while maintaining a consistent, trauma informed service.

We would love to hear from you, whether your experience has been gained in the justice system, community services, health, family support or another human services setting, you are committed to delivering high-quality support, working collaboratively with others and contributing to positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve.

The nature of WAS work involves a significant amount of communication via telephone, in writing and via virtual platforms such as Microsoft Teams. Some intra and interstate travel involving overnight stays may be required, however this is expected to be minimal.

We are seeking applications for both APS 5 and APS 6 classification.

At the APS5 level, in addition to meeting the APS 5 work level standards and Integrated Leadership System profile of the APS Level 5, under limited direction you will:

• provide victims and witnesses with information and support in relation to the role of the CDPP, the prosecution process, court procedures and their entitlements, including the development of victim impact statements in cases that vary in levels of complexity; 
• create and maintain high quality case notes and meet all record keeping requirements in a timely manner; 
• liaise with internal and external stakeholders including investigative agencies, court officials, prosecution lawyers and other parties, establishing key contacts and communication channels on cases; 
• liaise between victims and legal teams, providing general and case specific information, updates and debriefing where required on allocated cases; and
• perform an administrative role for the team as required, this may include:

1. creating and/or maintaining of electronic records/resources;
2. ensuring all relevant documentation is created and stored correctly and in line with policy, practice and legislative requirements; and
3. performing data entry and record keeping role relevant to case work and other WAS work.

At the APS6 level, in addition to the above duties and meeting the APS 6 work level standards and Integrated Leadership System profile of the APS 6 level under limited direction, you will:

• develop, support and guide new and/or less experienced staff;  
• provide victims and witnesses with information and support in relation to the role of the CDPP, the prosecution process, court procedures and their entitlements, including the development of victim impact statements in cases that vary in levels of complexity and include more complex matters; 
• liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including investigative agencies, court officials, prosecution lawyers and other parties, establishing key contacts and communication channels on cases including complex cases; 
• liaise between victims and legal teams, providing general and case specific information, updates and debriefing where required on cases including complex matters; 
• analyse data and evaluate information sources to assist with the creation of recommendations, reports and training; and
• contribute to the development of guidelines, policies, procedures, resources and training to assist legal teams and other colleagues with the handling of victim/ witness issues.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a satisfactory police check and AGSVA Baseline clearance is required
• Australian Citizenship
• Bachelor or Master of Social Work degree (eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Work)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a current Working with Vulnerable People/Children Check 

Some intra and interstate travel involving overnight stays may be required, however this is expected to be minimal.

No matter where you work with us, you’ll have access to:

• unique and challenging work;
• professional development opportunities;
• generous leave entitlements with additional paid time off during the Christmas close-down period;
• clear and transparent salary progression, and scheduled salary increases;
• 15.4% superannuation;
• flexible working arrangements that promote work-life balance;
• a $295 annual wellbeing allowance; and
• free and confidential 24/7 counselling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available for staff and their family members. 

Please refer to Candidate Information Pack for details.