At ACSO, we look for people who believe in second chances, who share our values and are passionate about supporting forensic clients to re integrate back into the community. If this sounds like you, read on!

About Us

The Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) is a vibrant, values driven NFP, focused on partnering with Government and the community to co-design services that create real social change. We are an organisation with a bold vision to create a safe and inclusive community where prison truly is the last resort. Our purpose is to strengthen the wellbeing of our communities by advocating for and delivering services which divert people away from the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias. ACSO is committed to the equitable treatment of its participants, employees and partners. We believe in humanity and celebrating the diverse voices of our community through leadership, practice and policy design, to honour and embrace diverse traditions, cultures and experiences of those we support and work alongside.

About the role

Our Community Offender Advice and Treatment Service (COATS) program is a state-wide intake, assessment and referral service that administers both state and commonwealth funded treatment pathways for clients in contact with, or at risk of coming in to contact with, the justice system. COATS provides specialist assessments for clients being considered for, or placed on, community corrections orders that include AOD assess and treat conditions.

Assessments either take place in community or in prison when a client is placed on parole. Our assessors also undertake assessments for the Adult Parole Board (looking at mandated post release treatment) and for the courts (for pre-sentencing purposes). Forensic AOD assessors are responsible for assessing, writing high-quality clinical forensic assessment reports and developing realistic treatment plans for Justice clients across Victoria.

About the program

To learn more about this program, check out the program summary under the 'job attachments' tab.

What we're looking for?

• Minimum of certificate IV or diploma qualification in alcohol and other drugs
• Minimum one years' prior experience in the AOD, mental health or forensic sector working with complex clients
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and conflict management skills
• The ability to gather information through assessment, and formulate findings and recommendations utilising strong report writing skills
• Experience working with clients with forensic backgrounds, and the ability to work in various settings, including prison environments
• Eligibility to enter Victorian prisons
• An extensive background working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people will be highly regarded.

What ACSO can offer you

• Full time or part time positions available. Dandenong location
• Fixed term until November 2021
• $72k base salary + 9.5 % superannuation + NFP salary packaging options (more after tax $ in your pocket! $84k approx. package)
• Paid parental leave
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Learning and development opportunities
• Wellbeing initiatives such as free flu vaccines, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program
• Flexible working arrangements

To apply and view the position description (PD), please click Apply Now to visit our careers website and provide a copy of your resume, a brief covering letter and a document outlining responses to the selection criteria found in the PD.

ACSO embraces diversity within its workforce and as such encourages applications from appropriately qualified and skilled people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including those from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island heritage. ACSO acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of country throughout Victoria and pays respect to them, their culture and their Elders, past, present and future.

Please contact Rochelle Vaughan, Team Leader COATS on 0437 489 093 for more information about this position.