Details: Are you organised, motivated, and keen to make a difference in improving outcomes for Aboriginal people in the Justice System? The ACT Courts and Tribunal (ACTCT) are looking for an enthusiastic and culturally engaged individual to join the Circle Sentencing team as an Assistant Court Coordinator.

Circle Sentencing Courts are a culturally responsive initiative within the ACT Magistrates Court and Children’s Court, designed to provide a more inclusive and restorative approach to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These courts integrate the authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders into the sentencing process, recognising the importance of culture and community in addressing offending behaviour. The ACT has two Circle Sentencing Courts: Galambany for adults and Warrumbul for young people.

As Assistant Court Coordinator, you will support the Court Coordinator in administering the day-to-day operations of the Circle Sentencing Courts. You will play a vital role in managing referrals, assessments, pre-sentencing conferences, check-ins, and sentencing sessions. This position requires strong interpersonal and organisational skills, along with a deep understanding of the cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

You will work directly with clients and their families, Elders, support services, legal representatives, and community organisations to help deliver culturally safe and solution-focused outcomes. The role also involves liaising with internal and external stakeholders, contributing to policy and procedural development, and supporting broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice initiatives within ACTCT.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate Circle Sentencing activities including case assessments, referrals, and session planning.
• Provide culturally appropriate support to clients throughout the Circle Sentencing process.
• Liaise effectively with Elders, legal representatives, community services, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in maintaining case files, reports, statistics, and correspondence, including data entry into ICMS.
• Provide accurate advice and support based on relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of culturally safe and evidence-based practices.
• Support the coordination of the Elders Panel and ensure logistical requirements are met.
• Actively participate in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-focused projects and initiatives within ACTCT.

We are seeking applicants who demonstrate:

A strong understanding of the cultural, historical, and social factors impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including the ongoing effects of colonisation, intergenerational trauma, and systemic disadvantage. Ability to apply this knowledge in a justice or community services context, ensuring culturally responsive and respectful engagement. Highly developed organisational and communication skills, with a demonstrated capacity to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Skilled in building and sustaining collaborative and respectful relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders, clients, service providers, and legal professionals. Committed to delivering services that are trauma-informed, culturally safe, and grounded in principles of dignity, empowerment, and social justice.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.

Eligibility/ Other Requirements:

• This is an Identified position in accordance with Section 27(4) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 and is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity is considered essential and therefore confirmation of cultural identity may be requested.
• Computer literacy skills are relevant to this role as you will use several computer software programs to undertake the tasks of this role.
• To be eligible for permanent or temporary employment within the ACT Public Service you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or hold a valid work visa.
• If an officer no longer holds a visa that permits them to work in Australia, their employment with the ACT Public Service (ACTPS) will be terminated.
• The successful candidate will be required to undergo a National Criminal History check.
• This position does require a Working with Vulnerable People registration.
• This position does not require a pre-employment medical.

Note: This is a temporary position available for a period of up to 12 months with the possibility of extension up to 12 months and/or permanency. This is an Identified position in accordance with Section 27(4) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 and is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity is considered essential and therefore confirmation of cultural identity may be requested. A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and may be used to fill identical vacancies over the next 12 months.

How to Apply: For further information, please visit www.jobs.act.gov.au