Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative – Justice and Community Services now has the following vacancy:
Local Justice Worker
Full-time, 38 hours a week, Fixed Term to 29/06/2029
T his is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.
This is a designated male (gender-specific) role established in accordance with the special measures provisions of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Applications are therefore sought from male applicants who meet the position requirements.”
About the Role
As part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will have a strong understanding of the sensitivities of clients, involved with the justice system who present with a range of complex and varied needs that require a service response tailored to their circumstances. As well, you will have strong networks and an in-depth knowledge of the various service systems that client’s interface with and the advocacy required relevant to the individual client’s needs.
Building on the client’s strengths and aspirations, you will be able to competently and confidently provide:
- Support and mentor Koori offenders on community based orders to meet the conditions of their orders by sourcing supervised community work opportunities in culturally appropriate and safe environments.
- Minimise the likelihood of reoffending and further progression into the criminal justice system through supervision that challenges offending behaviours and related attitudes and promotes pro-social behaviours.
- Develop and implement a range of programs and activities including a scheduled combination of recreational, cultural, educational and other activities.
- Provide advice/reports to statutory authorities when required.
- Liaise with a number of stakeholders including Corrections Victoria, Police and other services, particularly working with the Sheriff’s Office and clients with outstanding fines to negotiate payment plans.
- Where appropriate, work with other services to strengthen community-based options for offenders enabling an integrated approach to the provision of support that extends beyond the order;
- Attend and actively participating in regular team meetings, positively representing your client, the organisation and the program;
- Assist in the development of appropriate referral mechanisms and protocols to and from the program; and
- Engender public support and confidence in justice services.
About You
To be successful for this position, you should possess the following qualifications and qualities:
- You are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
- Tertiary qualification in Youth Work, Community Services, or a related discipline, or relevant experience with a willingness to obtain a related qualification.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Koori Community, both society and culture and the issues impacting on it.
- Demonstrated knowledge and awareness of key factors associated with rates of over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system, including the impacts of modern disadvantage and intergenerational effects.
- D emonstrated experience in case management: managing a case load, case planning and assisting clients with implementing case plan goals, including clients who have complex support needs.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proven ability to function both independently and within a team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and service providers.
- Highly developed organisation skills and a demonstrated capacity to work flexibly and within timeframes.
Demonstrated high level of computer literacy including maintaining a computer based diary management system to enable effective and informed client bookings.
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What We Offer:
- Salary packaging of $15,900 available for Part- or Full-time employees.
- Competitive pay and conditions based on the SCHADS Award , Level 4 – pay point 1 to pay point 4 (depending on qualifications and experience)
- Opportunities for additional incentives, which may include Christmas bonus days, recognition of NAIDOC Day, annual CPI-based Award wage increases where applicable, and relocation assistance where applicable.
- Professional development opportunities and support to help you grow in your career.
- Access to a free and confidential Employment Assistance Program and more.
- Provision of a laptop and mobile phone to support your work where applicable.
- Fleet cars to carry out daily tasks where applicable.
You will be required to undertake a pre-employment screening check, including providing a copy of your Confirmation of Aboriginality.
If you experience any technical difficulties using our online portal, please contact our Human Resources Staff on (03) 5820 0000.
To apply, please submit the following:
- A cover letter that includes:
- Stating who your mob/clan is.
- Your previous experience and/or qualifications and
- Responses to the following three questions:
1. Describe your understanding of the cultural, social, and historical factors impacting Aboriginal people involved in the justice system.
2. Provide an example of how you have managed a complex and diverse caseload, supporting Aboriginal clients on community-based orders.
3. Describe a time you effectively advocated for a client within a justice or service system.
Important: Please ensure your cover letter and your responses to the questions are combined into one document and attached in the Cover Letter section of the portal.
Applications close: Tuesday 8 th of September 2026
This is an “Indigenous Only” role under Special Measures of the EEO Act 2010, Section 12
