Senior Assessor, Financial Assistance Scheme

About the role

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is recruiting a Senior Assessor for its Financial Assistance Scheme, based in Melbourne (CBD and inner metro suburbs). The role leads a team that assesses applications for financial assistance, helping victims of crime receive fair, timely and sensitive support. It is an ongoing, full-time position at VPS 5 grade, earning $116,413 - $128,631 per year plus superannuation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of assessors in making fair, accurate and timely decisions using a trauma-informed approach
• Assess and decide complex applications for financial assistance, including cases outside standard rules
• Review decisions and prepare clear notices explaining the reasons behind complex decisions
• Develop and improve assessment procedures to support consistent and informed decisions
• Provide expert advice to staff and help improve Aboriginal cultural safety and victim-centred services

Required profile

• A relevant tertiary qualification in community or social services, social policy, social work, law or public administration is desirable; equivalent experience in a related field may also count
• Team leadership experience and the ability to guide staff through complex decisions, preferably in government
• Experience supporting victims of crime, including people affected by family violence or sexual assault, and an understanding of barriers faced by marginalised communities
• A strong commitment to trauma-informed and culturally safe practice, including Aboriginal self-determination, inclusion and the use of lived experience to improve services

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of family violence risk, including the Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework
• Ability to lead and mentor a team of assessors

Applicants apply online with a resume and covering letter; attachments can be uploaded in .doc.docx.pdf.txt or .rtf. Pre-employment checks, which may include national police checks and misconduct screening, are required. Applications close 24 November 2026.