At a Glance
- Tasks: Advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the justice system.
- Company: Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service, dedicated to cultural safety and systemic change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and salary packaging options.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to community connection and meaningful legal work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives through impactful advocacy.
- Qualifications: Legal practitioner in Victoria with strong advocacy and mentoring skills.
The predicted salary is between 115000 - 115000 € per year.
Salary: 115,000 + Super + Salary Packaging
Location: Preston, VIC
Employment Type: Full Time, Fixed Term (12 months)
Use your advocacy to create lasting change. This is more than a legal role — it's an opportunity to stand alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and help drive better outcomes in the justice system. Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is looking for a Senior Youth Advocate to join Balit Ngulu, our specialised youth justice program.
In this role, you'll provide expert legal representation, lead complex matters, mentor others, and contribute to culturally safe, trauma-informed practice that makes a real difference in community.
This is a chance to:
- Work in a role where your advocacy directly impacts young people's lives
- Join a values-led organisation committed to cultural safety and systemic change
- Contribute to a specialist youth justice practice with strong community connection
- Take on senior, meaningful legal work while supporting and mentoring others
- Be part of a team that is passionate, collaborative and driven by purpose
17.5% Leave Loading
5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
About the role
You will:
- Appear in the Children's Court, Koori Court, Magistrates' Court and other jurisdictions as required
- Manage complex youth crime matters and provide high-level legal advice
- Support case strategy, mentoring and practice leadership within the team
- Build strong relationships across community, legal and justice sectors
- Deliver culturally safe legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
About you
You will bring:
- Admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria
- At least 4 years' experience in criminal law
- Strong advocacy experience, ideally including youth justice matters
- The ability to lead, mentor and support others
- A genuine commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice and self-determination
Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. VALS welcomes applications from people of diverse cultures, identities and lived experiences.
Senior Youth Advocate in Preston employer: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an exceptional employer that champions advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, offering a supportive and culturally safe work environment in Preston, VIC. With a strong commitment to employee growth, VALS provides opportunities for mentorship and leadership within a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the justice system. Employees enjoy generous benefits, including additional leave and salary packaging, all while contributing to systemic change in a values-led organisation.
Contact Detail:
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Youth Advocate in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the legal and youth advocacy sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice. Share stories of how you've made a difference in the past — it’ll resonate with them!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching VALS and their values. Understand their approach to cultural safety and trauma-informed practice. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Youth Advocate in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at VALS, so don’t hold back!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your experience in criminal law and youth justice matters. We’re looking for someone with strong advocacy skills, so share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your cover letter and CV to reflect the key responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
✨Know Your Advocacy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of advocacy, especially as they relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Brush up on relevant legislation and recent cases that highlight your understanding of youth justice matters.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored others in your previous roles. This is key for a Senior Youth Advocate position, so think about specific instances where your guidance made a difference in someone's professional development.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Competence
Be ready to discuss how you’ve delivered culturally safe legal services in the past. Highlight your commitment to self-determination and how you’ve built strong relationships within the community, as this will resonate with the values of the organisation.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their approach to systemic change or how they measure the impact of their advocacy work.
