Is this you?

• Seeking applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander for this position, a permanent role with flexibility to work from the office and home?
• Looking for a meaningful position where you can impact the lives of people transitioning from the justice system?
• Seeking to grow and develop your skills in forensic case work?

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

The Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Case Worker will be responsible for delivering appropriately matched pre- and post- release support, prioritising Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander participants, and will work intensively with prisons, courts and where applicable, with community corrections to successfully reintegrate participants. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Case Worker will be responsible for record keeping (including data entry and case-noting) and providing assertive outreach, support services and advocacy to at-risk and vulnerable cohorts, typically taking place face-to-face with participants in settings and environments that are comfortable for the participant.

The transition and reintegration support provided by ReStart will focus on supporting participants with critical intervention domains (i.e. housing, employment, AOD, mental health, education and training, social connectedness), as outlined in each participant's individual transition plan.

Please note, we are specifically seeking applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander for this position.*

What we're looking for

• Minimum tertiary qualification (Cert IV in Community Service / AOD, Mental Health) and relevant experience and/or relevant lived experience
• Strong relationship building and advocacy skills
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Confidence to work with people who demonstrate challenging behaviours
• The ability to enter and work in a prison environment
• Experience developing support plans and working with clients to set and achieve their goals
• Commitment to delivering a holistic, culturally responsive and person-centred service.

What ACSO can offer you

• Full-time, permanent position available. Dandenong location!, with a hybrid of working from the office and from home (if desired), in line with operational requirements
• $77k base salary + 10.5% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options (more after tax $ in your pocket!)
• Paid parental leave (14 weeks) accessible after six months of employment
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Learning and development opportunities
• Wellbeing initiatives such as free flu vaccines, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program
• Phone, laptop, and provisions to help you set up at home
• Access and Equity leave, including paid cultural and ceremonial leave

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-564) 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 position, please contact Donna Morsman, ReStart Team Leader, on 0419 294 568.

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 double vaccinated against COVID-19. All ACSO preferred candidates are required to provide proof of their vaccination status, prior to offers of employment being made.

Please note, 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.

*ACSO considers that the requirement of being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent falls under an exception under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.