• Office Locations: High Street, Preston
• Full-time Fixed term until 30 June 2025
• Salary Offer: $82,840.94 - 84,498.05 plus Superannuation | Leave Loading | Salary Packaging Available

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:

The role of Senior Research Officer plays a large aspect in Aboriginal Community Justice Reports (ACJR). This role reports to the ACJR Team Leader and will assist in producing reports relating to the life history of the client and the community history of their mob, including culture, colonisation and current circumstances. These reports are prepared independently for criminal sentencing and will include a set of culturally appropriate and individually relevant options for community-based healing.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist with the development, implementation and evaluation of research projects including:

• Undertake research duties associated with one or more research projects, which may include, for example:
  • Reviewing and analysing literature, including empirical research
  • developing, implementing and evaluating key stakeholder/expert interviews
  • planning and collating data from experts focus groups
  • collecting data for case studies
  • drafting reports based on the above
• Provide administrative support to ACJR Team Leader and senior staff in managing research projects.
• Support ACJR Team Leader in the delivery of all aspects of projects including business reviews, working with stakeholders and any associated administrative tasks.
• Ensure project resources are applied efficiently and effectively to achieve project objectives within established timeframes and project plans.
• Provide inputs in the planning and development phase of new projects to ensure the project meets with VALS client expectations.
• Assist with the management of day to day operational and tactical aspects of the project.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

Essential

• Demonstrated skills in literature review, stakeholder/key expert interviews and other data gathering methods – including demonstrated high level skills in drafting reports based on these.
• Sound understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and issues/barriers
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritise competing interests.
• Demonstrate superior time management skills to deliver quality projects efficiently that meet expectations, and within budget.
• Proven high level written and verbal communication skills including the ability to produce comprehensive professional written documents of an outstanding quality.
• Demonstrated involvement with and understanding of Victorian Aboriginal communities including cultural awareness and protocols;
• Demonstrated ability to relate to and communicate with project participants and their families in a culturally safe and appropriate manner;
• Strong ability to identify the needs and strengths of Aboriginal people
• Strong ability to interview and elicit personal, cultural and community information from project participants and their families or community members which may be highly sensitive or distressing at times;
• Ability to adhere to privacy laws and manage confidential information securely;
• Understanding of the criminal justice system and the sentencing process in particular;
• Strong ability to conduct independent research;
• Comprehensive report writing skills;
• Track record in providing support to Aboriginal people
• Strong ability to multi-task and work to deadlines whilst remaining flexible and adaptable.

Desirable

• Undergraduate qualifications in law, psychology, social work or social sciences or current students from those disciplines or other relevant fields
• Previous experience preparing essays, reports, papers, submissions or policy documents
• Previous experience in providing case work for clients
• Knowledge of or experience of criminal justice system (including one’s own or family / community members’ experience)

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

On offer of this position, you must provide:

• Copy of your current Employee Working with Children Card.
• You will be required to complete a current Criminal History Police Check.
• Up to date vaccination certificate or valid medical exemption
• Proof of rights to work in Australia, i.e., a copy of an Australian Passport, Birth Certificate, or Immigration VISA documentation
• Current valid Victorian Driver’s Licence
• Copies of any certificates or degrees relevant to this role

Next steps

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.