Would you like work for a values driven NFP that can offer you:

• Wellbeing initiatives such as free flu vaccines, wellbeing and professional development vouchers, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program. Our employees matter!
• Opportunities to learn, develop and grow whilst part of the ACSO family. Whether it is workplace health and safety, clinical practice, family violence capability building, diversity and inclusion, leadership or all of the above, ACSO will ensure you have the opportunity to be your best self in our workplace from the moment you join us!
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies and gender affirmation.
• Flexible working arrangements. We work flexibly at ACSO and encourage you to talk to us about how this role can be flexible for you. Some of the work we do can be done from home, and the hours can be tweaked to suit your lifestyle - it's all about what works for you, the team, and, above all, our clients.

Is this you?

• Believe in humanity and keen to support forensic clients with AOD dependencies?
• Have fantastic communication and report writing skills?
• Looking to be guided by an experienced and passionate leader who wants to help you grow and develop?

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.

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 presentencing 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.

What we're looking for?

• Tertiary qualification (minimum level of Diploma) in a relevant health-related discipline (e.g., nursing, psychology, social work). Qualifications in fields such as criminology and welfare are considered unrelated for this position.
• Minimum of 12 months, full-time equivalent, alcohol and drug work clinical experience delivering a range of treatment interventions in a credible alcohol and drug treatment agency/program.
• Certificate IV (minimum) in Alcohol and Drug Work, or currently completing AOD qualification.
• Department of Health Clinical Drug Assessor Accreditation (desirable), or ability to obtain once AOD studies are completed (essential).
• 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

• Permanent, full-time position available in the Gippsland team. Traralgon location!
• $74,167 base salary + 10% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options - more after tax $ in your pocket!
• WFH options - hybrid WFH home conditions exist currently, though this is a client facing role and there will be the future requirement to return to working from the office, as per the needs of the program.
• Paid parental leave (14 weeks).
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Phone, laptop, and provisions to help set you up for success.
• Benefits listed above, including:
  • Learning and development opportunities.
  • Wellbeing initiatives.
  • Flexible working arrangements.
  • Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives.

How to Apply

If you think you'd be a great fit, we'd love to hear from you!

To apply and view the position description (PD), please visit our careers website (REQN-506) and provide a copy of your resume, a brief covering letter and a document outlining responses to the selection criteria found in the PD.

To learn more about this role, please contact Kate Laverack Team Leader, on 0447 126 980.

Please note, ACSO is committed to maintaining a working environment that is safe and minimises risk to the health and wellbeing of all employees, clients, contractors, volunteers and representatives. ACSO's new employees will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All ACSO preferred candidates are required to provide proof of their vaccination status, prior to offers of employment being made.

As ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance before they commence employment in this position.

ACSO proudly acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia's first peoples and pay respect to their rich culture, lores, customs and elders past and present. We strongly embrace the spirit of reconciliation and continue working towards ensuring an equal voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly those who have been touched by the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation embraces diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from appropriately qualified and skilled people regardless of their background. All suitable applicants for this role will be considered regardless of age, ability, race, gender expression, sex, cultural background, spiritual beliefs or lived experience.