Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

Location: Preston, VIC | Full-Time/ Part Time | Option to extend based on funding and performance

Salary: $72,381.40 + Super + Salary Packaging

Application Closing Date: 8th August 2025

About VALS

Victoria 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, we provide culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation. Our broader supports include a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, transitional housing for women exiting custody, family violence programs, one‑to‑one client support, and community legal education.

We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, LGBTQI+ communities, and diverse cultures are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome requests for adjustments throughout recruitment and employment to ensure accessibility and support.

About the Role: Legal Secretary – Criminal Law Practice

To provide high quality secretarial and support services to the legal staff in the provision of criminal law assistance to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria. This includes for the Criminal Law team and Balit Ngulu, a dedicated youth justice service that VALS makes available to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

You will be operating as part of an integrated and diverse team that includes junior lawyers, senior lawyers, administration staff and client service officers.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in the logging of client data recording including court dates on internal calendar systems.

Undertake all secretarial tasks and associated file management tasks as provided by solicitors in relation to the ongoing file management of clients of the Service in areas of Criminal law, including youth justice law (overseen by Balit Ngulu).

Prepare documentation for briefing Counsel or other professionals as directed, including photocopying, collating and arranging delivery.

Assist in arranging appointments for clients or making contact with clients directly.

Lodge and maintain Victoria Legal Aid grant applications within the ATLAS system as required, including invoice payments.

Undertake filing of reports and other documentation on behalf of clients.

Keep up to date with relevant procedures by attending professional education programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of Victoria.

Assisting our VALS reception including taking of incoming calls and assisting in person where necessary.

As directed, undertake other administrative duties which are incidental and peripheral to the main tasks, provided that such duties are reasonably within the employee’s skills, competence and training.

Key Selection Criteria

Demonstrated ability and experience as a legal secretary.

Advanced skills in the use of MS Office 365 Software (particularly MS Word, Excel, E-mail) to a legal practice and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS’ client data base.

Professional and courteous phone manner and interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, including young people and families.

Works collaboratively with others and fosters a co-operative/supportive team environment.

A commitment to the legal issues faced by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community in Victoria including an ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and acknowledge their diverse backgrounds, personalities and varying needs and the unique cultural ways in which they may be expressed.

Key Capabilities and Personal Accountability

Compliance with all VALS values, code of conduct, policies and procedures and relevant government legislation and standards where relevant.

Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of social justice and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or religion.

Ensure appropriate use of resources.

Actively participate in initiatives to maintain, build upon and promote a positive and collaborative workplace.

Take reasonable care for your own health & safety, and health and safety of others (to extent required)

Maintain own self-care and wellbeing with support of line management.

Promptly respond to and report health and safety hazards, incidents and near misses to management.

Attend mandatory training sessions (ie. equal employment opportunity, health and safety, cultural safety) and mandatory training specific to position.

Mandatory Requirements

The successful applicant must be able to provide or be willing to obtain:

Current Employee Working with Children Check

National Criminal History Police Check

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

Current valid Victorian Driver’s Licence

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

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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 Legal Secretary, Criminal Law Practice 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.