Practitioner, Koori Pathways Team

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 jurisdiction's own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly.

 

The Dhumba Murmuk Djerring Unit

The Dhumba Murmuk Djerring Unit was established to provide strategic and cultural support across courts and VCAT, coinciding with the establishment of the Koori Court. The DMDU continues to ensure that responsive and up-to-date advice and information are available to Koori Staff, Community and all users accessing the courts and VCAT. Collaborating with all jurisdictions, the Unit coordinates the strategic development and delivery of the Victorian Koori justice policies and programs and coordinates the Courts Group wide responses to requests from the Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF). 

The DMDU also provides policy advice in response to the Aboriginal Justice Agreement and secretariat support to the Courts Koori Committee. The Unit also holds an important role within the governance structures of CSV, regularly reporting to sub-committees of, and Courts Council on the CSV and jurisdictional progress of the delivery of Koori projects, initiatives and policies.

 

About the role

Reporting to the Manager, Koori Pathways Team, the Koori Pathways Practitioner will support the coordination function of the Team, with a strong focus on addressing cultural support gaps within the Victorian Courts Group, particularly in relation to bail. 

The Practitioner will establish and maintain stakeholder relationships and engagement. Importantly, the role will guide and engage in strategic, collaborative and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders including the judiciary, legal profession, police, state government departments, other organisations and court users.

The Practitioner will provide non-legal information and support for applicants of bail in the Supreme Court, where relevant assess their immediate safety risks, develop coordination plans and engage with the courts group to ensure referrals are made to appropriate agencies within the community for ongoing support.

The Practitioner supports applicants for bail across all phases of their court process (pre, during or post court) or across select phases dependent on individual needs. Practitioners hold a key role in building relationships, delivering information on the Koori Pathways team and other court services, and building integral referral pathways with local specialised agencies as well as key internal and external stakeholders such as VALS, VLA and Victoria Police.

Key accountabilities include:

• Providing support to applicants applying for bail in the Supreme Court of Victoria
• Developing Cultural Referral Plans and provide information and referrals for ongoing support, to external service providers and community agencies where appropriate.
• Liaising with legal services (duty or external), police prosecution and the court registry as required.
• Considering the needs of children in risk assessments and making appropriate referrals and links with family support and/or child protection services as appropriate.
• Building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships to support information sharing, referral pathways and collaborative work practices across courts, community and justice services, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
• Following procedures to manage privacy, confidentiality and consent when working with Applicants.

 

About you

• A relevant tertiary qualification in law, Aboriginal affairs, social work, or a related field would be desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culture, and contemporary justice-related issues.
• Skilled in engaging effectively and respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and stakeholders, promoting culturally safe practices.
• Knowledgeable about CSV Koori programs, their objectives, operations, and delivery, enabling meaningful program engagement and outcomes.

 

Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the SPECIAL MEASURES PROVISION of S12(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act (Vic).

 

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A current resume
• A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role

 

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.