• DURATION: Full time and part time positions available 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 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 Therapeutic Case Worker will work as part of the Pre and Post Release Services Team, providing 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 Therapeutic Case Worker, with support from the team, will also provide secondary consultation, reflective practice, training and co-work to other staff and programs across Drummond Street and the sector.

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

Your responsibilities

• Deliver all pre and post release program activities in collaboration with Elizabeth Morgan House. 
• 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 coaching and mentoring to the Recovery Support Workers with a focus on the development of service outcomes for clients and the quality practice and performance management of staff individually and in teams.
• In consultation with the client, develop and implement a transition plan to build social and emotional wellbeing. 
• Ensure ongoing collaboration and coordination with Elizabeth Morgan House practitioners and team.
• Oversee risk and safety screening, ensure case coordination planning, linkage to and the provision of intensive case management support for higher risk cases. 
• Ensure accurate and timely data is recorded into all required client record management systems.
• In consultation with the client identify and make appropriate referrals to other service providers.
• Liaise with staff from Corrections Victoria at the appropriate times along the pre and post release client journey.
• Participate in the review of cases and case management meetings with in-scope service sector organisations. 
• Liaise with internal and external services to maintain relevant links and networks to strengthen the services delivered by the pre and post release team.

About you 

• Highly skilled and experienced therapeutic case worker
• 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 two years’ experience in case management and equivalent experience in the social services sector
• Highly skilled in 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 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

Application process

All applications will be directed to our careers portal - Pre and Post Release Therapeutic Case Worker

All applicants must include a resume and with a cover letter addressing all the key selection criteria for the position

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

A position description is attached.