• 2 x full-time ongoing positions (part-time applications considered)
• Salary range: $98,902 - $123,624 (pro rata) plus super, plus salary packaging
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model
• Access to Victoria Legal Aid's internal First Nations Staff Network
• Flexible location:
  • South-East: Morwell, Bairnsdale, Dandenong, Frankston
  • South-West: Ballarat, Geelong, Warrnambool, Sunshine, Horsham

About the role

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is seeking two Aboriginal Community Engagement Officers (ACEO) Program Team Leaders to join our team in the South-East, or South-West regions of Victoria.

In these newly created roles, you will lead and supervise a small team of ACEOs, including regular travel within your catchment to support your team and ensure effective service delivery. You will also play a key role in guiding the growth of the Program and its expansion within your catchment.

You will work closely with your team to support the delivery of community engagement and legal education activities that connect First Nations people with the services and supports they need. You will also collaborate with local organisations, such as Aboriginal Legal Services (ALSs) and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), to strengthen referral pathways and improve access to services.

This is a special measures role and only First Nations people are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

This role is based at our VLA offices on Gunaikurnai, Bunurong, Wathaurung, Wotjobaluk, Wurundjeri, Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk Country.

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Lived experience with First Nations communities and a deep understanding of the challenges First Nations people face, especially in accessing legal and community services.
• Leadership experience, including the ability to supervise and support remote teams, guide change, and manage the growth of a new program.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with your team, local stakeholders, and other key organisations.
• Change management skills, with the ability to adapt, innovate, and help shape the ACEO Program as it develops.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the program to better serve the needs of the community.
• Organisational skills to manage a range of tasks, including travel, team support, and program development, while meeting deadlines.

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

About Victoria Legal Aid

We provide legal representation to those who need it most. With over 1300 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

Employee benefits

• Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance
• Relocation allowance if relocating for the role

How to apply

To be considered for this role, please click "Apply Now" and submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the second (2) key selection criteria (listed within the file attachments).

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team via [email protected] using the subject line: Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer Team Leaders x2 - South East Victoria / South West Victoria enquiry via EthicalJobs.

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Jessica Thomson, Manager, ACE Officer Program on (03) 5055 4011 or [email protected].

No agency applications will be accepted.

Other relevant information

It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.

Position descriptions are attached.