Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

Location: Preston, VIC | Full-Time

Salary: $87,305 – $93,305 + Super + Salary Packaging

Application Closing Date: 30th September 2025

About VALS

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has been advocating for and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since 1973. Our holistic services span criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth legal services, 24/7 custody notification, housing, family violence programs, and much more. At VALS, we are committed to self-determination, equality, diversity, and inclusion and we are always evolving to meet community needs.

About Balit Ngulu

Balit Ngulu (meaning “Strong Voice” in the Woi Wurrung language) is a specialised youth program within the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS). The program was established to ensure that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people have access to culturally safe, holistic, and specialised legal assistance.

Balit Ngulu provides legal advice and representation primarily in the area of criminal law, supporting young people who come into contact with the criminal legal system. The program operates across Melbourne and Greater Shepparton, working to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the legal system.

In addition to legal support, Balit Ngulu provides wrap-around case management and advocacy through its Balit Ngulu Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) Worker, ensuring that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people receive holistic and culturally safe care that is responsive to their cultural, social, and developmental needs.

The program is grounded in the principles of self-determination, cultural safety, early intervention, and community empowerment, and is a key part of VALS’ broader commitment to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

About the Role: Lawyer, Balit Ngulu (Youth Justice)

The Balit Ngulu lawyer works within an integrated team and is responsible for delivering high-quality, culturally safe legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people facing criminal charges in the Children’s Court (Criminal Division),Koori Courts and Magistrates Court.. Under the supervision of the Principal Managing Lawyer, the role involves direct legal advocacy, casework, , community legal education, and youth justice initiatives that support diversion and positive outcomes for young clients. The Lawyer will work collaboratively with key stakeholders, including courts, Victoria Legal Aid, Youth Justice, and community organisations, while maintaining a strong focus on the unique needs and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

Key Responsibilities

· Under the supervision of the Principal Managing Lawyer, deliver high-quality legal representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the Children’s Court (Criminal Division), Magistrates Court, Koori Courts, and other relevant jurisdictions across metropolitan Melbourne . Some regional travel will also be required.

· Participate in community legal education, law reform, and other youth justice projects as required, contributing to initiatives that support diversion, empowerment, and culturally safe outcomes for young clients.

· Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including Victoria Legal Aid, pro bono law firms, the Victorian Bar, Youth Justice agencies, and community organisations from both legal and non-legal sectors.

· Stay up to date with legal developments, procedures, and broader youth justice issues, particularly those affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, through professional development and continuous learning.

Ad Hoc

Perform other tasks as reasonably directed.

Undertake regional or interstate travel as required.

Assist with ad hoc documentation, reporting, or operational support.

Provide support for events, meetings, or projects as requested.

Key Selection Criteria

Admitted to practice as a legal practitioner in Victoria

Knowledge of and practical experience in criminal law and court procedures with a focus on the youth justice system

Excellent organisation, time management, communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with others and to foster a co-operative and supportive team environment

Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth community

A knowledge of the principles and values of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services

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.

Basic competency in the use of MS Office Software and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS’ client data base.

Minimum 12-18 months post admission experience working in criminal law and/or youth crime.

Mandatory Requirements

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

Admitted, or eligible for admission, as a legal practitioner in Victoria

A current Employee Working with Children Check card

A valid Victorian Driver’s license

A National Criminal History Check

Proof of work rights in Australia, such as an Australian passport, birth certificate, or valid visa documentation

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 35 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

____________________________________________________________________________

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 Lawyer – Balit Ngulu (Youth Justice) 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.