Full time, ongoing positionSalary range: $131,154
- $155,000 plus superannuationUp to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangementAbout the roleThe First Peoples Employment Specialist leads the delivery and implementation of key projects which support Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) to be an employer of choice for First Peoples.
The role focuses on:Supporting the organisation to achieve its First Peoples recruitment goals by coordinating the implementation and review for inclusion in VLA's First Peoples FrameworkDeveloping and implementing a range of First Peoples pathway programs and professional development opportunitiesProviding authoritative advice on culturally safe people management practices and design and develop policies and processes that inform best practice culturally safe attraction, recruitment and retention outcomes.
Establishing and maintaining networks across Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, government, schools and universities, and other key stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaborationEnsuring the availability of culturally appropriate and responsive supports and wellbeing offerings for First Peoples staff, including by strengthening operation and governance of VLA's First Peoples Staff Network.
Providing full employment lifecycle support and guidance to VLA staff through the development of toolkits and guidelines to inform best practice, attraction, recruitment, retention, and workplace support for First Peoples.
This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.
This is a special measures role and only Australian First Peoples are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
About youAs our ideal candidate, you will possess:Demonstrated deep cultural knowledge of First Peoples communities in Victoria, including systemic, social, economic,



health and housing barriers to justice and employment.
Proven experience designing, implementing and evaluating organisation-wide initiatives (programs, frameworks, tools) to address barriers and advance First Peoples employment, progression and retention.
Demonstrated experience providing culturally safe advice and support to First Peoples candidates, staff and senior leaders, including navigating complex and sensitive matters.
Solid capability in leading projects and organisational change through planning, governance, risk management, stakeholder negotiation and issue resolution across teams.
Highly developed written communication skills, with demonstrated experience producing clear, authoritative briefs, strategies, reports, business cases and recommendations across the organisation.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to build trust-based relationships, exercise cultural authority, and communicate sensitively and persuasively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Demonstrated understanding of the role of VLA within the broader justice system, and a strong commitment to VLA's vision, values, and to advancing self-determination, equity and culturally safe practice.
Demonstrated interest in human resource management and/or studies in human resource management or business (desirable).
Don't meet every requirement? At VLA,



we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our

job description
, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.
About VLAWe offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.
Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.
Employee benefitsA focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangementsHybrid work from home & office modelGenerous leave benefits, including:Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)Paid gender affirmation leaveFive days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar yearAnnual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentivesAttractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated LeasingDiscounted annual Myki public transport passesIndividual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goalsFree annual flu vaccinationsAccess to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD officeAccess to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.

How to apply
To be consider

📌 First Peoples Employment Specialist (Melbourne)
🏢 Victoria Legal Aid
📍 Melbourne