These programs utilise a client-centred and problem-solving approach that empowers clients to engage with their rehabilitation and achieve positive behavioural change. 

Court Services priorities include engaging with the community and improving the court user experience.  We work collaboratively with the Department of Justice and Community Safety, Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria Police, community agencies and the Victorian community to support community safety outcomes. 

The Navigation and Triage (NAT) service triages the support needs of people coming before the court. It provides comprehensive advice to judiciary, court staff, lawyers, and other stakeholders regarding the options available to meet the court user's support needs either in the community and/or through mainstream court support or specialist courts.

Approximately 30% of those referred to NAT are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

We are seeking a dedicated and culturally strong Koori Support Practitioner to join the Navigation and Triage (NAT) Team at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.

This important frontline role supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander court users by providing culturally safe, non-legal support, advocacy, screening, triage and referrals. As part of the Koori Justice Unit's commitment to reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the criminal justice system, you will help connect court users with the services and supports they need to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes.

The Koori Justice Unit is the primary contact for enquiries regarding this role and will oversee the recruitment and interview process.

As a Koori Support Practitioner, you will provide culturally responsive support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander court users, helping them navigate the court system and access services that address immediate and longer-term needs.

Working within the NAT team, you will use your expertise to identify risks, assess support requirements and facilitate culturally appropriate referrals. You will collaborate with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), community services and key stakeholders to ensure holistic and culturally safe support pathways.

You will also play an important advisory role, supporting Court Services staff to deliver culturally competent services and strengthening the court's responsiveness to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide culturally safe, trauma-informed and person-centred support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander court users.
• Conduct screening, assessment and triage of support needs, including identifying immediate risks and barriers to engagement.
• Facilitate culturally appropriate referrals and warm referrals to community organisations, ACCOs and support services.
• Assist court users to navigate court processes and access relevant support programs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote positive outcomes for clients.
• Provide advice, guidance and cultural expertise to Court Services staff and stakeholders.
• Contribute to a culturally competent and inclusive service environment.
• Maintain accurate records, case notes and reporting requirements.
• Support client empowerment and self-determination through strengths-based practice.

This is an identified position, in accordance with Court Services Victoria's Identified Positions Policy.  An Identified Position is one in which some or most of the duties involve the development or delivery of programs and/services which impact on Poor people and/or the Koori community.  Identified Positions have a focus on Koori programs or policy (not necessarily the primary focus), have a need to consult with the Koori community on occasion, have a responsibility for outcomes for Koori people and/or the Koori community and can have other duties that do not directly relate to Koori programs and/or policy.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Qualifications or relevant experience working in social work and community welfare, Ecopsychology, social sciences, Aboriginal specialist services, specialist courts or similar fields is highly desirable but not required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, both society and culture and the impacting issues including a demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively and sensitively with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community including participants and stakeholders to achieve effective outcomes.
• A sound understanding of the principles of cultural safety and demonstrated ability to effect culturally safe practice.
• Experience with client engagement, risk assessment, crisis management, safety planning and case management using evidence based approaches.

Please read the position description carefully to understand all aspects of the role.