First Nations Senior Witness Assistance Service Officer (Intake)
About The Position
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is the independent prosecuting authority of New South Wales (NSW) and is responsible for the prosecution of all serious offences committed against the laws of the State on behalf of the people of NSW. Our vision is to be a dynamic prosecution service recognised for its excellence and leadership. The Witness Assistance Service (WAS) is a specialist unit within the ODPP which works as part of the prosecution team to assist and support victims of crime and vulnerable witnesses through the criminal justice process to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient prosecution service. The First Nations Senior Witness Assistance Officer will deliver specialist assistance to First Nations victims and witnesses of crime and/or their families who are involved in serious matters prosecuted by the ODPP. The role aims to minimise stress and potential re-traumatisation for victims and witnesses related to involvement in the criminal justice system; assist the prosecution by ensuring witnesses have the opportunity to give their evidence to the best of their ability; and assist the Office in meeting its obligations under the NSW Charter of Victims’ Rights. This role also works to enhance access to WAS services and engage with local First Nations communities and service providers We are seeking candidates to backfill a current vacancy in our Wagga Wagga office on a temporary basis for an intial period of up to 12 months. A talent pool may also be created to fill current and future ongoing and temporary vacancies. The successful applicant will receive an extra 5 days of recreational leave each year on top of the standard 4 weeks when based at our Wagga Wagga office.
Requirements
- Applicants must provide a valid Working With Children Check number or an Application number. A current Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance is required as a condition of employment.
- Degree qualifications in Social Work; or if relevant qualifications are not held, the successful candidate will be required to enroll in and satisfactorily complete the ECAV Aboriginal Pathway Program Certificate IV in Aboriginal Family Wellbeing and Violence Prevention Work and the Advanced Diploma of Aboriginal Specialist Trauma Counselling upon commencement with WAS. If this is required of the candidate, the qualification will be funded by the ODPP.
- You are an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- Positions in regional office locations may require the successful applicant to have a current driver's license and willingness to travel to regional areas.
Nice To Haves
- experience in counselling or case management in trauma related areas such as child sexual assault, adult sexual assault, domestic violence and/or grief and loss.
Responsibilities
- Deliver specialist assistance to First Nations victims and witnesses of crime and/or their families who are involved in serious matters prosecuted by the ODPP.
- Minimise stress and potential re-traumatisation for victims and witnesses related to involvement in the criminal justice system
- Assist the prosecution by ensuring witnesses have the opportunity to give their evidence to the best of their ability
- Assist the Office in meeting its obligations under the NSW Charter of Victims’ Rights.
- Enhance access to WAS services and engage with local First Nations communities and service providers
Benefits
- As a First Nations staff member, you will also have access to one-on-one cultural supervision provided by a First Nations counselling service.
- The choice to join five affinity groups: First Nations, Disability and Neurodiversity, People of Diverse Genders and Sexualities, Women, and Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. These groups foster inclusion by providing a network for social connection, support, advocacy, and a platform to share lived experiences and stories.
- First Nations networks and other development and support opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
