Program Manager - Ballarat

About Court Network

Court Network provides programs and services to members of the community to assist them in the process of accessing the legal system. Established in 1980, the agency operates on a state-wide basis providing court-based support, information and referral to members of the community in both the criminal and civil courts.

Court Network provides this service through the employment of both paid and unpaid staff, who are located in the Magistrates’, County, Supreme, Children’s and Coroners Courts within Victoria. Court Network also operates in Queensland within the Brisbane Commonwealth Law Courts, and Supreme Court and is now in Cairns and Townsville.

Court Network is committed to the promotion of knowledge about the legal system across the broader community, researching the issues affecting court users and promoting law reform to improve access to justice by all court users.

Court Network is engaged in building the family violence capability of paid staff and volunteers to maximise the positive impact Court Network can have in its core role as a non-legal support at court and to enhance the safety and wellbeing of women and children affected by family violence.

Job Purpose

The Program Manager will manage and develop the volunteer workforce at the Ballarat Law Courts to align practice with the Court Network service Charter and the Court Network Family Violence Practice Framework.

Court Network is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, age, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply.

Key Selection Criteria

The Program Manager will have a commitment to Court Network's philosophy and work collaboratively to promote an atmosphere which is welcoming, non-judgmental and compassionate.

• Relevant tertiary qualification (or 8 years’ work experience) in Social Work, Human Services, Community Development or related discipline
• Experience working within or sound knowledge of the family violence, sexual assault or violence against women sector including knowledge and understanding of the nature, dynamics, prevalence and impacts of family violence

• Experience as a volunteer manager
• Ability to work without direct supervision, prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands in an organised and methodical manner
• Understanding of the issues affecting access to justice
• The ability to work collaboratively with community organisations
• Ability to work as part of a team, particularly with volunteers
• Ability to manage change and develop staff professionally
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of people of diverse backgrounds and ability to respond appropriately to a wide range of people, some of whom may be in crisis
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills
• Computer literacy in current applications and programs including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint is essential

A full position description is available attached below.

Please note: the successful applicant must be prepared to undertake a criminal history check including a Working with Children Check before commencement of employment.