Aboriginal Community Engagement Worker - Preston
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service – Preston VIC
$84,994 - $84,994 a year
Full time, Contract
5mo ago , from Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act ****.
Employment Type:Full-time, 12-month Fixed Term Contract (Strong potential for renewal)
Location:Preston, VIC
Salary:$84,******plus superannuation and salary packaging benefits (based on experience)
Make a meaningful difference with Aboriginal young people
Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is seeking a dedicated Aboriginal Community Engagement Worker to join Balit Ngulu, our specialist youth justice program.
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, strengthening community connections, and contributing to culturally safe, holistic pathways away from the justice system.
About Balit Ngulu
Balit Ngulu means"Strong Voice"in the Woi Wurrung language.
The program provides specialised, culturally safe legal assistance and case management to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people involved in the criminal legal system across Melbourne and Greater Shepparton.
Balit Ngulu works alongside young people, families, and community to support early intervention, diversion, and long-term wellbeing, with a strong focus on community empowerment and holistic care.
About the role
As the Aboriginal Community Engagement Worker, you will work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to support their safety, wellbeing, and engagement with both legal and non-legal services.
You will provide culturally responsive case support, assist young people through court and related processes,



and build strong partnerships with community and service providers.
This is a hands-on, relationship-based role that sits at the intersection of youth work, advocacy, and community engagement.
Key responsibilities
Build trusting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and support them to navigate legal and community systems
Provide client liaison, advocacy, and warm referrals to ACCOs and other relevant services
Support young people to attend court and participate in legal and non-legal proceedings
Contribute to holistic case planning with internal teams and external partners
Maintain accurate and timely client records and documentation
Assist with court documents and other administrative requirements as directed
Represent Balit Ngulu positively within community and partner forums
Participate in travel, events, and projects as required
What you'll bring
Strong connection to and lived experience within Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community(ies)
Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal young people
Knowledge of issues impacting access to justice and support services for Aboriginal children and young people, ideally in Victoria
Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with ACCOs, courts, police, youth justice, and child protection services
Clear written and verbal communication skills
Sound computer literacy and record-keeping skills
Understanding of the Victorian youth justice system,



including Children's Court practices and relevant legislation
Experience working within a whole-family and whole-community approach
Experience in the not-for-profit sector, preferably within an ACCO
Qualifications and requirements
Certificate IV or Diploma in Youth Work (or equivalent experience).
Support to obtain qualifications may be available
Current Employee Working with Children Check
National Criminal History Check
Valid Victorian Driver Licence
Evidence of right to work in Australia
About VALS
VALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and the only statewide specialist legal and support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria.
For over 50 years, we have delivered culturally safe legal services across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, alongside wrap-around supports including youth justice, family violence programs, housing, custody notification services, and community legal education.
Why Join Us?
17.5% Leave Loading
5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
Opportunity to work alongside a passionate, culturally committed team
Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace workplace
Does this sound like the place for you?
We'd love to hear from you.
We are committed to self-determination, cultural safety, and equity, and we strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ community members, and people from diverse backgrounds.
We welcome requests for workplace adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.
Please note that due to the anticipated volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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📌 Aboriginal Community Engagement Worker - Preston (Melbourne)
🏢 Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
📍 Melbourne