Baggarrook Program Officer

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service; Preston; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused legal service is seeking a dedicated Program Officer to support Aboriginal women transitioning from prison to stability. This role involves building trusting relationships, providing intensive post-release support, and facilitating access to essential community services. Ideal candidates will have strong relationship-building and communication skills, with an understanding of the needs of Aboriginal communities. This full-time role is based in Inner West Melbourne and offers meaningful work in community justice.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Strong skills in building relationships with individuals facing trauma or complex needs.
• Experience in providing individualized support or case management.
• Understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal communities.

Responsibilities

• Support women transitioning from prison into stable housing.
• Build strong relationships with program participants.
• Provide post-release support including transportation and confidence-building.
• Conduct risk assessments and maintain client records.

Skills

Relationship-building skills

Communication skills

Understanding of legal system

Digital capability

Job description

Employment Type: Full-time, 12-month fixed-term (strong potential to become ongoing) Location: Inner West Melbourne, with occasional travel to Preston Salary: $81,135.60 – $87,305.40 plus superannuation and salary packaging benefits Flexible Work: One day per week working from home

Make a Real Impact in Community Justice Walk alongside Aboriginal women as they build independence, stability, and a stronger future. The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is expanding our Community Justice Programs team and is seeking a committed, relationship‑driven Program Officer to support Aboriginal women transitioning from prison back into the community.

About Baggarrook The Baggarrook Women’s Transitional Housing Program is a unique, culturally grounded initiative supporting Aboriginal women following incarceration. Working closely with participants, Aboriginal Housing Victoria, and a range of community partners, you will help women rebuild their lives, set meaningful goals, and secure long‑term housing. If you are passionate about social justice, empowerment, and community‑led support, this is an opportunity to do work that truly matters.

• Be part of Victoria’s only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Work in a culturally safe, community‑controlled environment driven by respect and self‑determination.
• Support women at one of the most critical points in their lives – your work truly matters.
• Access opportunities for development, collaboration and meaningful community engagement.
• Inclusive workplace welcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

About the role As a Baggarrook Program Officer, you will work 1:1 with women exiting prison, helping them transition into stable housing and community life.

• Build strong, trusting relationships with program participants and key services
• Attend DPFC and Tarrangower to meet women pre‑release
• Provide intensive post‑release support for 6‑12 months, including transport to appointments and confidence‑building support
• Assist participants with goal setting, planning and independent living skills
• Conduct and monitor risk assessments
• Work from the Baggarrook Inner West Metro site to support clients onsite
• Make culturally safe referrals and link women with health, housing, AOD, family violence and community supports
• Liaise with prison staff regarding assessments and referrals
• Maintain accurate client records in line with VALS policies
• Build strong community and service relationships
• Contribute to reporting, meetings and community engagement activities
• Support events, projects and ad hoc organisational needs

What you’ll bring

• Strong relationship‑building skills, especially with people experiencing trauma, AOD, disability or complex needs
• Experience providing 1:1 support or case management
• Understanding of the Victorian legal system and issues impacting Aboriginal communities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work flexibly within a multi‑skilled team
• Good digital and administrative capabilityli>Experience in the not‑for‑profit sector or an ACCO (highly regarded)

Additional Information Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service