Paralegal - Youth Justice & Child Protection (Full Time or Part Time)

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service - Preston VIC

- Full Time or Part Time (4 to 5 days per week)
- 12-month Fixed Term contract (strong potential for renewal)
- Preston, VIC
- Salary: $75,384.40plus Super and Salary Packaging (pro rata for part-time)

- Full Time or Part Time (4 to 5 days per week)
- 12-month Fixed Term contract (strong potential for renewal)
- Preston, VIC
- Salary: $75,384.40plus Super and Salary Packaging (pro rata for part-time)

Make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal children and young people.

At the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), we believe every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child deserves access to culturally safe, high-quality legal representation and support. As the state's only specialist Aboriginal legal service, We've been advocating for justice and self-determination for over 50 years.

We're looking for a highly organised and compassionate Paralegal to join our Balit Ngulu team, supporting Aboriginal children and young people involved in the youth justice and child protection systems.

Whether you're looking for a full-time opportunity or the flexibility of working four days per week, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: if opting for the 4-day work week, Friday will be a mandatory workday.

About Balit Ngulu

Balit Ngulu is our specialist practice dedicated to Aboriginal children and young people up to 21 years of age.

Our multidisciplinary team combines legal advocacy with culturally safe, holistic support to help young people navigate the legal system while working towards stronger futures. We focus on keeping young people connected to family, culture and community, advocating for alternatives to detention wherever possible.

About the Role





This is much more than a traditional legal administration position.

You'll be the first point of contact for many young people and their families seeking legal assistance, ensuring every interaction is respectful, culturally safe and supportive. Working closely with lawyers and Aboriginal Community Support Workers, you'll help coordinate legal matters from initial intake through to court preparation and ongoing case management.

Your work will directly contribute to timely legal representation for Aboriginal children and young people across Victoria.

In this role you will:

- Be the first point of contact for clients, families and community members seeking legal assistance.
- Manage client intake for Youth Crime and Child Protection matters.
- Maintain accurate client records and legal files.
- Prepare legal correspondence, court documents and briefs.
- Coordinate court appearances, appointments and solicitor diaries.
- Process Victoria Legal Aid grant applications and related administration.
- Liaise with courts, Victoria Legal Aid, Victoria Police, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other key stakeholders.
- Coordinate referrals to internal and external support services.
- Assist with reporting, compliance and the day-to-day operations of the legal practice.

About You





You'll be an organised and proactive administrator who enjoys supporting legal professionals while delivering exceptional client service.

You'll also bring:

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a professional, compassionate approach to client service.
- Strong organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office 365 and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
- An interest in youth justice, child protection or community legal services.
- A genuine commitment to culturally safe practice and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Previous experience in a legal, community services or government environment will be highly regarded but is not essential.

Why Join VALS?

Working at VALS means joining an organisation committed to social justice, self-determination and meaningful change.

We offer:

- The flexibility to work either full time or part time (4 to 5 days per week).
- Salary packaging benefits to maximise your take-home pay.
- Purpose-driven work that makes a genuine difference in the lives of Aboriginal children and young people.
- A supportive and team-oriented multidisciplinary team.
- Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
- The opportunity to build your legal administration career within a respected Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.

Mandatory Requirements

To be successful, you'll need:

- A current Employee Working with Children Check.
- A current Victorian Driver Licence.
- The ability to obtain a National Criminal History Check.
- Full Australian work rights.

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📌 Paralegal - Youth Justice & Child Protection (Full Time or Part Time) (Williamstown)
🏢 Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
📍 Williamstown