Koori Court Officer- Warrnambool

 

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 a jurisdiction within the Court Services Victoria statutory authority and 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 venues, 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.

The Koori Court aims to enhance access to justice, provide culturally appropriate services, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and reduce reoffending and over representation in the criminal justice system. The Koori Court sentences Koori defendants and it has been created under the Magistrates Court Act 1989 and operates as a division of the Magistrates' Court. The Koori Court, sits within the Specialist Courts and Programs Division; and is one of a range of support services and problem-solving courts within the Magistrates' Court of Victoria. These specialist courts and court support programs aim to improve the court's responsiveness to Victoria's diverse and growing community, and to improve outcomes for people presenting at court.

 

About the role

The Koori Court Officer will be responsible for the delivery of key administrative, promotional and liaison tasks within the Court to support Koori/Aboriginal people presenting at Court. The Koori Court Officer's role aims to improve the court experience for Koori people and their families. The role will assist the Court in providing a more culturally appropriate response to Koori/Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities in the criminal division through:

• Assist and advise the Court of matters relating to cultural issues that exist for Koori people in Victoria

• Provide advice and access to services for Koori offenders and families that come in contact with the Court

• Raise awareness within the court system of cross-cultural issues

• Maintaining and fostering links between the Magistrates' Court, the Children's Court and the Aboriginal community

• Liaise with the Aboriginal community to inform of court processes including Koori Court

• Provide non legal advice and support to Aboriginal accused as well as Aboriginal victims of crime

• Provide assistance and non-legal advice to Aboriginal accused and/or young person's presenting before the Court with their court outcomes and obligations as well as victims of crime

• Provide advice and supports to the Magistrates' and relevant staff/stakeholders, in relation to services and programs that are available to assist Aboriginal accused and/or young person before the Court

• Provide appropriate advice to Koori Court Elders and Respected Persons on all matters concerning the Koori Court Jurisdiction 

 

What's in it for you

• 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

• Demonstrated understanding of cultural issues and the unique challenges faced by Koori communities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to liaise with diverse stakeholders

• Ability to plan and manage community engagement projects effectively

• Proficiency in data collection, reporting, and maintaining records

• A current driver's license is essential

 

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, we conduct pre-employment checks, including but not limited to, reference checks, police checks and misconduct screening. These checks are handled confidentially and with care and are a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the right fit for both our candidates and the organisation.