This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

About Us

Court Services Victoria provides corporate services and facilities to support the performance of the judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative functions of Victoria's courts and tribunal, Judicial College and Judicial Commission.  Collectively, Victoria's Supreme, County, Magistrates', Children's, and Coroners courts, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), the Judicial College of Victoria, the Judicial Commission of Victoria, and Court Services Victoria (CSV) are referred to as the ‘Courts Group'. 

Our people enable the Courts Group to deliver on each jurisdictions own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly. 

The Magistrates' Court of Victoria (MCV) is the first level of the Victorian court system and is a jurisdiction within the Court Services Victoria.  It has a long history of providing justice for the people of Victoria in metropolitan and regional courts across the state. The Court determines in excess of 300,000 cases per annum at 51 locations, equating to approximately 90 percent of all cases that come before Victorian courts each year. The Court aims to be an innovative, accessible, and responsive court that provides quality services to the Victorian community.  

Umalek Balit is a court‑based family violence program delivering an integrated, culturally safe response for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people attending the Magistrates' Court for family violence-related matters, including civil and criminal proceedings.

The program provides culturally appropriate guidance, advice, support and referrals to legal and family violence services for both victim survivors and people who use family violence. The Umalek Balit Program is overseen by the Koori Justice Branch.

About the Role

The Koori Family Violence Practitioner (KFVP) works as part of the Umalek Balit team, alongside Koori Family Violence Practice Managers and Family Violence Practitioners, to deliver a culturally safe and responsive court‑based family violence service.

The role supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people attending the Magistrates' Court for family violence–related matters, including Family Violence Intervention Orders, Koori VOCAT and criminal matters. This includes supporting both victim survivors and respondents/people who use family violence.

The KFVP provides client‑centred support, conducts risk and needs assessments, facilitates referrals, and undertakes community engagement to strengthen awareness of the Umalek Balit Program and court processes. 

Key responsibilities:

• Support people who use family violence through referrals that promote accountability and address underlying issues.

• Ensure children's safety and wellbeing are considered in assessments, with appropriate referrals made in line with service standards.

• Deliver outreach services to other court locations as required.

• Undertake community engagement to promote Umalek Balit and improve understanding of court processes.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of the Umalek Balit program.

• Uphold culturally safe practice that supports empowerment and pathways to self‑determination.

Travel to other court venues is required, including occasional overnight travel.

Our benefits

• We care about your health and wellbeing and have partnered with Fitness Passport, an initiative that allows you to access significantly discounted fitness membership program

• Peer Support Program designed to help create a safe and supportive workplace where colleagues look out for each other

• Koori staff network to enhance support for Koori staff and ensure that appropriate networks and services are readily available

• Ongoing professional development within a collaborative and supportive work environment

About You

• Strong understanding of Aboriginal culture, community and contemporary issues.

• Ability to engage respectfully and communicate effectively with Aboriginal people and stakeholders.

• Experience working with clients with complex needs.

• Relevant qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Social Sciences, Aboriginal Health, or a related field are desirable.

• Alternatively, experience working in family violence, criminal justice, community welfare or related areas will be considered.

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply Now' button, ensuring you include the following in your application:

• resume 
• a short cover letter
• Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. To ensure that the intention of the recruitment process is maintained, a ‘Confirmation of Aboriginality' document will be required preferred applicant/s, you are also welcomed to attach this as part of your application.

Other information

CSV is the employer of staff at Courts Group. CSV has a firm commitment through its Koori Employment Plan to increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our workforce.

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. Those from the LGBTQIA+ community, women, people of all ages, with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and those who are neurodiverse, are encouraged to apply.

We aim to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to email the contact person listed in the advertisement.

As part of our commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, CSV conduct pre-employment checks, including reference checks, police checks and misconduct screening. These checks are handled confidentially, with care and are a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the right fit for both candidates and Court Services Victoria.