About the Role:

As a VWAS Social Worker, you'll provide specialist support and assistance  to victims and witnesses as they navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system — often a retraumatising, stressful, and unfamiliar experience. 

Working alongside solicitors and prosecutors, you'll help victims and witnesses understand their rights, attend legal conferences and court proceedings, and support them whilst they give evidenceThis is not a counselling role — it is process-driven, grounded in legislation, and requires a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, the justice system, and crisis intervention.

Your key responsibilities will include;

• Providing trauma-informed support and assistance to victims, witnesses, and families throughout the prosecution process, including court preparation, legal conferences, and post-hearing debriefings.
• Advising legal professionals on best practices for engaging with vulnerable victims and manage complex cases while ensuring compliance with the Victims' Charter.
• Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of solicitors, prosecutors, and justice sector stakeholders.

Travelling to regional Victoria to support victims during circuit court hearings (multi-night stays required; accommodation and vehicle provided).

This is a 12-month fixed-term position.

About you:

Bringing your extensive experience in social work — particularly within areas such as sexual assault, family violence , grief and bereavement, or trauma-related services — you will have:

• Case management expertise in complex situations, including providing support, information, and referrals to clients, while working with sensitive and high-stakes issues.
• Deep understanding of grief, loss, trauma, and the impact of sexual assault on victims, alongside strong knowledge of the criminal justice system and relevant legislation.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in demanding team environments, using initiative, sound judgment, and innovative approaches to meet the needs of vulnerable clients.
• Excellent communication skills with a strong ability to liaise with internal and external stakeholders, and experience in working within legislative frameworks and multidisciplinary teams.

To be considered for this role you must posses -

• A qualification in social work, psychology or a related discipline
• A valid Australian Drivers Licence

About Us:

The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is an independent statutory authority responsible for conducting serious criminal prosecutions across Victoria on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Our team, consisting of over 475 skilled professionals, supports the work of the DPP, the Chief Crown Prosecutor, and Crown Prosecutors. We strive to be a criminal justice system leader and a dynamic organisation, continually adapting to deliver effective outcomes for our people and the community.

At the heart of the criminal justice system are people – practitioners and the community we serve. Our vision is to lead in legal excellence, fostering an innovative, supportive environment with a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and professional excellence.

Apply Now:

Applications must contain a resume, cover letter.

You will be required complete the online Key Selection Criteria questions located on the last page of the online application form. A separate document responding to the key selection criteria is not required.

Applications close on 11.59pm Monday 28 April 2025.

In accordance with the VPS recruitment process all candidates are subject to complete a pre-employment misconduct screening declaration. Further information is available on the VPSC website:  https://vpsc.vic.gov.au/resources/pre-employment-screening-misconduct-victorian-public-service/

The OPP is committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.  People from all cultural backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, particularly applicants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, or those who may experience disability related barriers in securing employment.