Practitioner, Child and Youth Witness Service
We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you.
The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children’s rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.
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 get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers
We’re proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?
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| Department: | Department of Justice and Community Safety |
| Work Type: | Ongoing - full time |
| Job Function: | Community Services |
| Classification: | VPSG4 |
| Work Location: | Loddon Mallee Region - Negotiable |
| Reference: | VG/THREEROLESFEBRUARY26 |
| Closing Date: | 08-Mar-2026 |
| Salary Range: | $97,955 - $111,142 |
| Job Duration: | N/A |
| Attachments: | Practitioner, Child and Youth Witness Service - PD - D03092, D03093 and DJ6825- VPSC Applied - VPS4.pdf (PDF, 262KB) Position Description |
| Contact: | Shaun Stevens on 0483 190 722 Shaun.Stevens@justice.vic.gov.au |
Position Details
- Utilise your community services expertise to provide support and advice to the Victim Services Support and Reform branch
- 3 x ongoing, full-time opportunities to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service
- VPS Grade 4: $97,955 - $111,142 plus superannuation.
About the Business Unit:
The Victim Services, Support and Reform (VSSR) branch is part of the Police, Racing, Victims and Coordination group in the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS). The VSSR is responsible for coordinating a suite of services for victims of crime that provide information and support to help manage the effects of crime and guide victims through the criminal justice system across Victoria.
The Child and Youth Witness Service (CYWS) is a statewide specialist case management service for child witnesses (up to 18 years at the time charges were laid) and their families and/or carers. The model of care is child focused and incorporates principles of trauma informed care. The purpose of the CYWS is to increase participation by child witnesses in the criminal justice process and to reduce trauma associated with being involved with the criminal justice system, particularly being a child witness.
About the Role:
In the role of the Child and Youth Witness Service Practitioner, some of your duties will include:
- Providing specialist case management to child witnesses and their families when children are witnesses in criminal matters
- Quickly building rapport with children and adolescents and their families/carers and have a good understanding of child development and the possible impacts on children of being subjected to (or witness to) violent crimes
- Assessing child witnesses' specific needs that may affect their participation in the criminal justice process and tailor court preparation to the child's individual needs accordingly, e.g., working with child witnesses to identify stress management techniques that will work for them. This may include working collaboratively with other professionals such as Intermediaries who conduct specialist assessments of children to assist children to give their best evidence in court.
To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.
About You:
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:
- Extensive experience in the provision of direct services to children who have experienced trauma
- Demonstrated experience in working in community and/or court-based settings
- Sound knowledge of child development and the impact of trauma and abuse on child development.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Tertiary qualifications in a human service-related profession such as Social Work, Psychology or Allied Health is essential and registration with the appropriate body is desirable
- A current ‘Working with Children Check' is required
- A current driver's licence is required.
How to Apply:
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, national police checks and misconduct screening. Dependant on the role, other checks may include VicRoads checks, drivers licence checks, medical checks, Working with Children Checks, and Declaration of Private Interests (for executive and responsible officer roles).
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 get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:
The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.
