The Justice Navigator supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victim-survivors of sexual violence, domestic and family violence, institutional abuse and other forms of interpersonal harm to understand, access and navigate justice pathways that are meaningful to them.
The role provides independent, trauma-informed and culturally responsive support, helping people explore legal, restorative, administrative and community-based responses to harm. The Justice Navigator does not determine what justice should look like for a person — instead, they walk alongside individuals and families, providing information, advocacy, coordination and practical support so people can make informed choices about safety, accountability, recognition, healing and redress.
Justice journeys are often complex and may involve multiple systems, including police, courts, Victims Services, the National Redress Scheme, child protection, family law, health, housing and community services. The Justice Navigator helps people move through these systems while reducing barriers, minimising re-traumatisation, and promoting dignity, choice and agency — with a strong grounding in cultural safety.
Key Responsibilities
Justice Navigation and Advocacy
- Support victim-survivors to identify what justice, accountability, safety and recognition mean to them
- Provide information on legal and non-legal justice pathways
- Assist people to understand their rights, entitlements and available supports
- Support engagement with police, courts, Victims Services, the National Redress Scheme and other justice-related systems
- Advocate alongside victim-survivors when requested
- Assist people to prepare for meetings, interviews, hearings and justice processes
Safety and Wellbeing
- Undertake safety planning in collaboration with participants
- Identify barriers that may prevent participation in justice processes
- Support people experiencing distress associated with justice engagement
- Coordinate referrals to counselling, housing, legal and specialist services
Community Engagement
- Build strong relationships with Aboriginal community members, Elders and community groups across the Central Coast
- Increase awareness of justice pathways among community members who face barriers to access
- Participate in community education, yarning circles and outreach activities
Partnership Development
Build collaborative relationships with
- NSW Police
- Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Legal Aid NSW
- Community Legal Centres
- Victims Services
- National Redress Scheme providers
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
- Health and mental health services
- Family support and domestic and family violence services
Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain accurate case records
- Collect program data
- Contribute to evaluation and reporting requirements
- Maintain confidentiality and information security requirements
Systemic Advocacy and Service Development
- Identify recurring barriers experienced by Aboriginal victim-survivors
- Contribute to policy and practice reform discussions
- Participate in developing resources informed by survivor experience
- Support co-design activities with people who have lived experience
- Contribute to service and system improvement initiatives
About You — Essential Criteria
- Degree qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Community Services, Law, Criminology or a related field
- Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander victim-survivors of sexual violence, domestic and family violence, institutional abuse or complex trauma
- Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed and survivor-centred practice
- Demonstrated ability to advocate effectively within complex service systems
- Knowledge of justice pathways including police, courts, victim support, compensation and redress schemes
- Experience undertaking risk assessment and safety planning
- Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- Demonstrated commitment to cultural safety and inclusive practice
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
Desirable Criteria
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity, or a strong connection to Aboriginal community
- Knowledge of the National Redress Scheme
- Experience supporting people with disability and neurodivergence
- Knowledge of Response-Based Practice and/or restorative approaches
- Experience in community development, systemic advocacy or service design
- Experience working with CALD communities
Mandatory Requirements
- Current NSW Driver Licence
- Comprehensive car insurance
- NSW Working With Children Check
- National Criminal History Check
- Ability to travel across the Central Coast and occasionally across NSW
- Commitment to Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services’ practice ethics and Child Secure principles
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with generous not-for-profit salary packaging (up to $15,899 per annum)
- Flexible and family-friendly work arrangements
- Professional development opportunities
- Access to bi-monthly cultural supervision
- Clinical mentoring and supervision
- Three additional paid leave days between Christmas and New Year
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victim-survivors on their justice journey
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the essential selection criteria above.
For a confidential discussion about the role, contact EDAS Recruitment on (02) 4351 1040 or
[email protected]
📌 Justice Navigator (Mardi)
🏢 Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services
📍 Mardi