Senior Witness Assistance Officer (Lismore)

Prosecution Officer (Administrative) Level 5

$146,768. Package includes salary ($116,981 - $129,492 p.a.), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

Temporary and Ongoing roles

About us

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is the independent prosecuting authority responsible for the prosecution of all serious indictable offences committed against the laws of New South Wales. We are an agency of over 1100 staff, working throughout NSW to service the main court centres. Our 10 offices have a mix of Crown Prosecutors, Solicitor Advocates, Solicitors and support staff.

Our vision is to be a dynamic prosecution service recognised for our excellence and leadership. We act with integrity, by behaving ethically and professionally.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace by providing ongoing support and opportunities for all staff.

The Role The Witness Assistance Service (WAS) is a specialist unit within the ODPP which works as part of the prosecution team to assist and support victims of crime and vulnerable witnesses through the criminal justice process to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient prosecution service.

The Senior Witness Assistance Officer will deliver quality professional assistance for vulnerable victims and witnesses of crime and/or their families who are involved in serious matters prosecuted by the ODPP. The role aims to minimise stress and potential re-traumatisation for victims and witnesses related to involvement in the criminal justice system; assist the prosecution by ensuring witnesses have the opportunity to give their evidence to the best of their ability; and assist the Office in meeting its obligations under the NSW Charter of Victims’ Rights.

We are seeking candidates to backfill a current vacancy in our Lismore office. A talent pool may also be created to fill current and future ongoing and temporary vacancies.

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Key accountabilities

- Provide proactive case management services to victims and vulnerable witnesses involved in matters such as child sexual assault, adult sexual assault, domestic violence, and sudden and violent death which are prosecuted by the ODPP in the NSW criminal justice system.




- Oversee the operations of a team of Witness Assistance Officers to ensure that staff performance is managed and service delivery is maintained to a high standard.
- Maintain collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders including internal ODPP staff and external agencies regarding the needs of victims and their families and vulnerable witnesses.
- Maintain the independent role of the ODPP and comply with the ODPP Prosecution Guidelines and relevant Government policies, procedures and legislation

About you

- This is a child-related position. Applicants must provide a valid Working With Children Check number or an Application number. A current Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance is required as a condition of employment. Please visit the Children Guardian's website for more information: Working with Children Check | Office of the Children's Guardian (nsw.gov.au)
- Degree qualifications in Social Work
- Competitive candidates will have experience in counselling or case management in trauma related areas such as child sexual assault, adult sexual assault, domestic violence and/or grief and loss.
- Regional office positions may also require the successful applicant to have a current driver's license and willingness to travel to regional areas.

Why Us As the prosecuting authority of NSW, the ODPP offers unique career opportunities.

- Flexible work arrangements: Enjoy a 35-hour work week, access to flex leave, and hybrid working options with a minimum of three days in the office.
- Meaningful work: Be part of a team that delivers challenging, purpose-driven work that makes a real difference to the community.
- Exceptional working conditions: Benefit from a strong focus on wellbeing, including 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellbeing check-ins, special fitness passport rates, and tailored workplace adjustments.
- Growth and development: Access ongoing training and development opportunities to support your career progression.
- Inclusive culture: Join one or more of our five affinity groups—First Nations, Disability and Neurodiversity, People of Diverse Genders and Sexualities, Women, and Cultural and Linguistic Diversity—offering connection, advocacy, and a platform to share experiences.

Interviews The interview process will include capability-based assessments which may require your time and presence on more than one day.

How to Apply

Please review the Role Description and address the key accountabilities and focus capabilities when preparing your resume (maximum three pages) and cover letter (maximum two pages).



Shortlisting will be based on merit and the information provided in response to the targeted questions.

Your cover letter must clearly and directly respond to the two targeted questions listed below. Each response must be included within the body of the cover letter and clearly identify which targeted question is being addressed (for example, by using headings or explicitly referencing “Targeted Question 1” and “Targeted Question 2”). These responses will form the basis of the assessment of your suitability for the role.

Q1. Describe your experience in providing case management and support to people who have been affected by trauma in one or more areas of child sexual assault, adult sexual assault, domestic violence and/or grief and loss in a complex and/or high profile matter.

Q2. Provide two examples of a time when you supported a peer or team member in understanding a process, navigating a challenging case, or building confidence in their role?

We encourage applicants to submit authentic applications that reflect their own skills, experience and insights. Skills, knowledge and capabilities will be assessed and verified throughout the selection process in line with the ODPP’s commitment to Acting with Integrity.

When completing the online application form, you will be asked to indicate your office location preferences, provide the contact details of two relevant referees (who can speak from a Supervisory perspective), and consent to a Criminal History Record Check.

Closing date: Wednesday, 23rd September 2026 (11:59PM)

Please note that a talent pool will be created to fill ongoing and temporary vacancies across all ODPP offices which may arise over the next 18 months.

Further Information

Learn more about the ODPP here: About us | ODPP (nsw.gov.au) | Code of Conduct To learn more about First Nations People and the ODPP: First Nations People and the ODPP | ODPP (nsw.gov.au).

Benefits of working with the ODPP: Advantages We Offer | ODPP (nsw.gov.au)

Enquiries:

Cara Davis – Witness Assistance Service Manager (Regional) – 02 6937 8337

For general enquiries, technical difficulties, or if you require any adjustments to be made to support you during the recruitment process (including alternate formats of the application form), please contact Darcy Ward on 02 4721 6106 or [email protected] and a response will be sent during business hours.

The ODPP values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential. The Office welcomes applications from First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people identifying with diverse genders and sexualities, people with disability and other diversity groups. If you have individual requirements that need to be accommodated in order to participate in the selection process, please indicate this in your application.

📌 Senior Witness Assistance Service Officer (Lismore) (Lismore City Council)
🏢 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
📍 Lismore City Council