Title:  Witness Assistance Service Officer, First Nations Identified Position (Penrith)

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW)
Prosecution Officer (Administrative) Level 4

$119,734. Package includes salary ($97,027 - $107,059 p.a.), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading. 12-month temporary contract

About Us

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 ODPP Penrith office seeks a Witness Assistance Officer (First Nations Identified) for a 12-month temporary contract.

About the Role

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.

The Witness Assistance Officer (First Nations Identified) is to provide specialist services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander witnesses and victims of crime and their families who are involved in serious matters prosecuted by the ODPP.  The role aims to enhance access to Witness Assistance Services and engage with local Indigenous communities and service providers; 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. 

About you (essential requirements):

• Applicants for this position must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and be accepted in the community as such. An applicant's race is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14(d) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
• This is a child-related position. 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. Please visit the Children Guardian's website for more information: Working with Children Check | Office of the Children's Guardian (nsw.gov.au)
• Degree qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Social Welfare, Social Science; 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. 
• 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.
• This position also requires the successful applicant to have a current driver's license and willingness to travel to regional areas. 

• As a First Nations staff member, you will also have access to one-on-one cultural supervision provided by a First Nations counselling service.

Interviews

The interview process will be conducted either in person or virtually via Microsoft Teams. The interview process will include capability-based assessments which may require your time and presence on more than one day.

How to Apply  

Applicants should read the Role Description and address the key accountabilities and focus capabilities when preparing their resume and cover letter.  Applicants must submit a cover letter [maximum two pages] and resume [maximum 3 pages] that highlights their claim for the role and demonstrates their suitability by addressing the following two targeted questions.  

Q1. Describe your experience in providing case management and/or counselling services to people who have been affected by trauma in one or more areas of child sexual assault, adult sexual assault, domestic violence and/or grief and loss.

Q2. Provide two examples of your work within a multidisciplinary team where you were required to influence and negotiate. Outline the strategies you used.  

As part of the application process, confirmation of Aboriginality and/or a letter from an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation from the community you are from will be required.

Applicants must also include the contact details of two relevant Referees (who can speak from a supervisory perspective, with one being the current manager). 

N.B. Applicants must give consent to a Criminal History Record check.

Applicants must apply via jobs.odpp.nsw.gov.au, reference number 1268.

 
Closing date: Tuesday 6 May (11:59PM)

A talent pool will be created to fill vacancies across all ODPP offices which may arise over the next 18 months. 

Further Information

• Learn more about the ODPP here: About us | ODPP (nsw.gov.au)  |Code of Conduct
• To learn more about First Nations People and the ODPP: First Nations People and the ODPP | ODPP (nsw.gov.au).
• Learn about our commitment to having a diverse and inclusive workplace: A diverse workplace | ODPP (nsw.gov.au)
• Benefits of working with the ODPP: Benefits We Offer | ODPP (nsw.gov.au) 

Enquiries: Jean Marshall – Senior WAS Officer Penrith, 4721 6136

For general enquiries or if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to support you during the recruitment process please contact Bianca Burgess, Recruitment Business Partner on (02) 82682693 or recruit@odpp.nsw.gov.au. If you experience technical difficulties when submitting your application, please email recruit@odpp.nsw.gov.au and someone will respond to you during business hours.

The ODPP values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential. The Office welcomes applications from First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people identifying with diverse genders and sexualities, people with disability and other diversity groups. If you have individual requirements that need to be accommodated in order to participate in the selection process, please indicate this in your application.