Operations Manager - Aboriginal Community Justice Panel

About VALS  

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Established in 1973, VALS provides culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil, and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation.

Our broader supports include a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, transitional housing for women exiting custody, family violence programs, one‑to‑one client support, and community legal education.

We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, LGBTISBQ communities, and diverse cultures are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome requests for adjustments throughout recruitment and employment to ensure accessibility and support.

About: Aboriginal Community Justice Panel

The Aboriginal Community Justice Panel (ACJP) is a statewide Aboriginal-led program supporting Aboriginal people navigating the justice system through culturally grounded advocacy, system navigation, and community-led responses.

For more than 30 years, the Aboriginal Community Justice Panel have provided critical support to Aboriginal people in police custody across Victoria. The program operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week across 14 service areas (with the expansion of the volunteer model to 19 service areas) and has historically relied on a largely volunteer workforce to deliver timely cultural, wellbeing support, legal, and practical assistance at points of police contact.

Role Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational leadership, workforce support, and service consistency of ACJP across all sites, including both professionalised and volunteer-based locations.

The role provides operational management, training, capability uplift and direct support to ACJP staff and volunteers statewide. It plays a central role in supporting the development and implementation of professional service models, uplifting existing volunteer sites, and embedding consistent operational practices across the program.

The Operations Manager leads the development, implementation and continuous improvement of operational policies, procedures and systems, ensuring ACJP services are delivered safely, consistently and in alignment with program objectives, cultural practice, and funding requirements.

This role requires strong leadership, operational judgement, and the ability to support diverse service models during a period of organisational transition and growth.

Key Responsibilities 

Operational Management

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

To apply, please provide: Your current resume, including education, and professional experience. Submit your application to ****@vals.org.au using the subject line: 'Application for Operations Manager - Aboriginal Community Justice Panel at VALS'  

VALS actively encourages and supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. This designated position provides a culturally safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where your knowledge and lived experience are highly valued.  

Please note: 

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fees will be paid to agencies submitting candidates without a valid written agreement.