Full time | Fixed Term | Naarm / Melbourne | SES Band 1  

• Lead culturally safe and responsive services for First Nations clients, staff and communities
• Drive reform and change in legal assistance across Victoria
• Key member of Senior Leadership Team

VLA considers that being a First Nations Australian is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under subsection 26(3) or section 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director, First Nations Services, the Director leads and develops the First Nations Services' teams to ensure that First Nations programs and initiatives are effectively implemented and managed with a focus on alignment to principles of self-determination and First Nations leadership. The role focuses on: 

• Driving reform and change within VLA and the justice system to support First Nations peoples' self-determination, improving access to legal assistance services and appropriate resolution processes  
• Championing VLA's work to strengthen VLA's cultural capability at individual, managerial, leadership and whole-of-organisation levels, as well as enhance the cultural safety of the VLA workplace for First Nations employees 
• Supporting the development and delivery of key First Nations strategic priorities and related organisational initiatives  
• Providing strategic and program-focused advice to the executive leadership team and broader Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) program areas on First Nations initiatives.

About you

You have a deep understanding of First Nations cultures, histories and legal systems, including coronial inquests, commissions of inquiry, and treaty negotiations. You are a seasoned leader with broad professional experience in the First Nations, community services, justice or legal assistance sectors. You can lead and develop teams to deliver outcomes that make a positive difference. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage with senior stakeholders on complex issues. You also have experience working with First Nations Australians in justice or a community service-related areas such as family violence, mental health, community services, housing and homelessness, drug and alcohol and youth issues. Highly desirable are:

• Experience in a similar role, operating as member of a senior leadership team that drives organisational priorities 
• Connection to the Victorian Aboriginal Community.

About VLA

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) provides free legal information, advice and education to all Victorians, with a focus on prevention and early resolution of legal problems. It advocates for equality, enabling people to protect their rights and promotes accountability of systems. We prioritise more intensive services, such as legal advice, legal representation, non-legal advocacy, and family dispute resolution, for those who need it most. VLA's vision is for a fairer, stronger and more inclusive community. We recognise the intersections between legal and social issues in the way we do our work and advocate for change.

Together with partners in the legal and community sectors, and with clients and consumers at the centre, VLA works to dismantle barriers that prevent people from accessing the justice system by participating in systemic reforms and strategic advocacy. The First Nations Services directorate leads and supports Victoria Legal Aid projects and initiatives which aim to address systemic racism and disadvantage. All our work is informed by the principles of self-determination and accountability to First Nations peoples. 

How to apply

VLA is partnering with Karen Starr of SHK Executive for this role. Please direct all enquiries to Karen, and apply directly to SHK, through their website: https://www.shk.com.au/job/director-first-nations-services