• DURATION: 1EFT until June 30th 2027    
• First Nations People, LGBTIQ+ people, people with disability, people of colour, public housing residents or people with a lived experience are encouraged to apply
• DSS is committed to child safety and strictly adheres to the Reportable Conduct Scheme for organisations. The safeguarding and wellbeing of our clients is our core focus. All staff must undergo thorough recruitment process including screening and providing evidence of current Working With Children Check and National Police Check.

About the role

Drummond Street Services in partnership with Elizabeth Morgan House, have just been awarded the contract to deliver pre and post release services to eligible women and trans and gender diverse people exiting prison. Pre-release support will be offered in Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and Tarrengower Prison and post release support will be offered state-wide. The Program Manager will work as part of the Pre and Post Release Services Team, leading the implementation of a range of integrated and targeted services.  

The service will take a holistic approach and work towards improving the social and emotional wellbeing of people as a strategy to reduce recidivism and incarceration. The service will be delivered by a multi-disciplinary team of qualified and skilled practitioners, with and affirmative employment and training framework for people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.

The Manager, with support from the team, will also provide secondary consultation, reflective practice, training and co-work to other staff and programs across Drummond Street, Elizabeth Morgan House and the sector.

A highly competitive salary package plus salary sacrifice opportunities will see you well remunerated.

Your responsibilities

• In collaboration with Elizabeth Morgan House and the Queerspace General Manager, Director of Services and CEO, develop and implement the pre and post release program to women and trans and gender diverse people exiting prison.
• Provide a range of evidence-informed services by leading and supporting practice in a transdisciplinary team environment to achieve positive outcomes for pre and post release clients.  
• Provision of inspired, supportive supervision through coaching and mentoring with a focus on the development of service outcomes for clients and the quality practice and performance management of staff individually and in teams.
• Liaise with Corrections Victoria staff as required.
• Oversee risk and safety screening, ensure case coordination planning, linkage to and the provision of intensive case management support for higher risk cases. 
• Undertake review of cases and case management meetings with in-scope service sectors. 
• Liaise with internal and external services to maintain relevant links and networks to strengthen the services delivered by the pre and post release team.
• Ensure contractual and quality standards are met, oversee quality practice of all program activities, and contractual obligations and deliverables.  
• Complete high-quality reporting and contribute to development of policies, program manuals and ad hoc program content. 

About you 

• Highly skilled and experienced program manager 
• High level skills in leadership, capacity building and training 
• Sound knowledge of public health approaches, the social determinants, and impacts of justice system involvement  
• Understanding of and experience in working within a therapeutic trauma counselling and recovery practice framework
• A values-based and client focused approach to service delivery informed by a demonstrated commitment to social justice issues. 

Selection Criteria

All of the following must be addressed in your application to be considered.

• Minimum degree level qualification in Social Work or equivalent
• A minimum of three years’ experience in managing programs and five years’ experience in the social services sector
• Strong leadership skills and ability to support and develop staff, including peer workers
• Highly skilled and experienced practice lead working with justice involved people experiencing multiple and complex needs
• Demonstrated understanding of the social determinants of health and social and emotional wellbeing frameworks for individuals and communities
• Demonstrated understanding of the systemic issues and challenges when working with justice involved women and trans and gender diverse people
• Demonstrated capacity to work within integrated, collaborative and systemic approaches
• Demonstrated understanding of the needs, issues and sensitivities of people from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal, LGBTIQA+ and culturally and linguistically diverse people and communities.
• Ability to supervise staff within an integrated service approach that centres the individual and their affected others
• Ability to handle pressured situations with resourcefulness, adaptability, and creative thinking
• Capacity to work creatively, demonstrate initiative, contribute ideas and be active in a supportive team environment

Please contact Jemma Mead on 03 9663 6733 or [email protected] using the subject line: Pre and Post Release Program Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs to discuss your application 

Application process

• All applications will be directed to our careers portal - Pre and Post Release Program Manager
• All applicants must include a resume and with a cover letter addressing all the key selection criteria for the position

A position description is attached.