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

Please note: This opportunity is only available to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Salary Offering: $78,402.32 - $84,357.55 (VALS CPB 1.1 - 1.4), depending on experience plus Superannuation
Location: Preston, VIC 3072
Work Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed-term until 30 June 2026 (extension subject to performance and ongoing funding)

About the Opportunity

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), in partnership with Melbourne City Mission, is seeking a dedicated and passionate DART Worker to join our team. This role plays a vital part in supporting young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who come into contact with the Children’s Court system and may be experiencing disability.

As a DART Worker, you will assist the Court in identifying when a young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander client has a disability, ensuring the presiding judicial officer has comprehensive information. You will also support clients through the screening process and facilitate referrals to allied health services where appropriate.

This is a meaningful opportunity for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person to contribute to improved outcomes for young people in their community by supporting culturally safe, strengths-based pathways through the justice and disability support systems.

Why Join VALS?

We offer a supportive, flexible, and culturally safe working environment with a range of attractive benefits, including:

17.5% Leave Loading

5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days

Time in Lieu (TOIL) system for any hours worked beyond your contracted 21 hours per week

Access to company vehicles for work-related travel

Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia

Opportunity to work alongside a passionate team committed to delivering culturally appropriate legal and support services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities

Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

Key Selection Criteria

Essential:

Tertiary qualification and/or demonstrated experience working in the Community Services sector (Disability, Mental Health, Housing, Justice).

Demonstrated experience working with young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Excellent written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully within multi-disciplinary teams, including ACCOs, court staff, police, youth justice, child protection, and residential care services.

Strong computer and administrative skills.

Desirable:

Knowledge of the Victorian legal system, particularly the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, relevant policies, and Children’s Court practices.

Experience working within the not-for-profit sector, ideally with an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).

Experience delivering support using a whole-family and whole-community approach.

Experience supporting individuals with disabilities.

Familiarity with the NDIS Act 2013, Disability Act 2006, and NDIS service environment.

Mandatory Requirements

The successful applicant must be able to provide:

Current Employee Working with Children Check

National Criminal History Police Check

Proof of full vaccination or valid medical exemption

Proof of Australian work rights (e.g. passport, birth certificate, or visa)

Current valid Victorian Driver’s Licence

Relevant certificates or qualifications

How to Apply

To apply, please provide:

A covering letter introducing yourself and explaining your suitability for the role

A statement addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria (please note: applications without this will not be considered)

Your current resume, including education, professional experience, and two referees

Submit your application to [email protected] using the subject line:
‘Application for DART Worker Position at VALS’

VALS actively encourages and supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. This designated position provides a culturally safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where your knowledge and lived experience are highly valued.

Please note: We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fees will be paid to agencies submitting candidates without a valid written agreement.