Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service – Preston VIC

- Full-time, 24-month fixed-term contract (strong potential for renewal)
- Preston office + flexible WFH work arrangements
- Salary: $84,994 - $95,000 + Super + Salary Packaging

Join VALS and turn your commitment to culturally safe care into meaningful wellbeing support for clients navigating mental health treatmentS and legal proceedings

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010

About the role

Recognising the gaps in culturally safe mental health support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, this role is central to VALS' holistic, culturally safe approach to mental health legal assistance. You will provide social and emotional wellbeing support to clients subject to compulsory mental health treatment, supporting them before, during and after legal appointments and Mental Health Tribunal hearings.

Working alongside VALS lawyers, you will provide secondary consultation, coordinate support and client follow-up, and build strong community relationships to improve access to culturally safe services and support better outcomes for clients.

In this role, you will:

- Provide culturally safe, trauma-informed support and practical guidance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people navigating Victoria's mental health system.
- Support clients before, during and after legal appointments and Mental Health Tribunal hearings, including helping clients identify immediate social and emotional wellbeing needs.
- Assist with and coordinate client follow-up, warm referrals and liaison with legal services, health services, independent mental health advocates, Hospital Aboriginal Liaison Officers, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other relevant services.
- Attend Mental Health Tribunal hearings and advise VALS mental health lawyers on clients' social and emotional wellbeing, cultural, family and community needs, and referral options.
- Work with clients to identify recovery goals, strengthen supports and reduce the risk of repeat compulsory treatment orders.
- Contribute to advocacy, systemic reform and law reform work related to mental health by identifying client trends, service gaps and systemic barriers.
- Maintain accurate records, referral information and administrative processes
- Contribute to community education, outreach and engagement activities that improve access to VALS' wrap around mental health legal and support services.
- Mentor or support less experienced staff, students or volunteers if and where required,



and contribute to a team-oriented and reflective team culture.

About you

You are a confident relationship-builder and trauma-informed qualified with a solid commitment to the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

You are experienced in supporting people navigating complex systems and can work collaboratively with clients, lawyers, health professionals and community organisations to coordinate care and warm referrals.

You bring strong communication, organisation and problem-solving skills, sound judgement and a commitment to self-determination, cultural safety and systemic change.

You will bring:

- Experience providing culturally safe, trauma-informed support to people experiencing mental health issues, distress or crises.
- Understanding of Victoria's mental health system, compulsory treatment, and the systemic barriers experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Understanding of social and emotional wellbeing, including the protective role of culture, family and community.
- Ability to apply trauma-informed, person-centred and strengths-based approaches in practice.
- Commitment to the rights, interests and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work effectively with communities and partner organisations.
- Ability to work independently within role scope, seek guidance when required and contribute collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong organisational and administration skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Willingness and ability to travel within Victoria for work purposes.

Desirable:

- Relevant qualification in social work, mental health, community work, community development, law or a related field.
- Knowledge of mental health services, compulsory treatment and relevant referral pathways.
- Lived or living experience of navigating the mental health system, personally or through supporting others.
- Experience working in Aboriginal legal services, community legal centres, Victorian Legal Aid or Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.




- Experience delivering presentations, training, community education or group activities.
- Experience or interest in policy, advocacy, law reform and systemic change.
- Experience or interest in supervising, mentoring, coordinating or supporting the work of other staff, students or volunteers.
- A current Victorian Driver's License

About VALS

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Established in 1973, VALS provides culturally protected legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice and specialist litigation. Our broader services include a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, family violence programs, transitional housing support, client services and community legal education.

Our work is grounded in self-determination, cultural safety and creating better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Why Join VALS?

Joining VALS means using your expertise to support an organisation with a meaningful purpose.

We offer:

- Hybrid working arrangements, including work from home following training
- A 35-hour working week
- 5 additional days of leave per year on top of the standard 20 days
- Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 to maximise your take-home pay
- 17.5% Leave Loading
- Professional development: access professional supervision, cultural supervision, reflective practice and ongoing learning and training opportunities
- A holistic 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) via Sonder
- Meaningful work supporting an organisation committed to justice and community impact
- A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment

Mandatory Requirements

To be successful, you will need:

- A copy of your current Employee Working with Children Check
- You will be required to complete a Criminal History Police Check
- Proof of rights to work in Australia, i.e., a copy of an Australian Passport, Birth Certificate, or Immigration VISA documentation
- Copies of any certificates or degrees relevant to this role

Bring your connection to culture and community to a role where your trauma-informed advocacy will empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and shape a more holistic, culturally safe future.

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

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📌 Social and Emotional Wellbeing Community Support Officer (Melbourne)
🏢 Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
📍 Melbourne