• Do you want to make a difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the prison system?
• Are you a proven leader who is strong on culture? Do you have strong case management and advocacy skills?
• Do you want to work within a team of Aboriginal Programs staff at Ravenhall Correctional Centre?
• Flexible working hours available, subsidised meals, onsite gym and generous training/development opportunities!
• Attractive salary package of $67,853.00 plus super!

About The GEO Group Australia

GEO Group Australia (GEO) is the country's leading provider of outsourced correctional services, operating in NSW, QLD and VIC employing over 2000 employees across operations, primary health care, industries, foods services, rehabilitation and reintegration, maintenance, human resources, contract compliance and finance and administration.

As an organisation, GEO aims to deliver better corrections and create safer communities, with a focus on providing a continuum of care and integration of services to make a real difference in the lives of people we work with.

Ravenhall Correctional Centre, operational since November 2017, is a correctional facility with a different philosophy, drawing down on the root causes of criminal behaviours to help rehabilitate individual offenders before their reintegration with mainstream society. The goal of Ravenhall is to prepare offenders to return to the real world by providing a full spectrum of pre-release and post-release support, including employment, mental health, job upskilling, family counselling and community networking services, to reduce recidivism.

For more information about our organisation, visit our website.

About the Opportunity

The Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer (AWO) is responsible for the provision of services that promote health, wellbeing and ‘healing’ of Aboriginal prisoners, their families and the broader Aboriginal community. They will meet with all Aboriginal new receptions to Ravenhall and contribute to their induction and orientation to the Centre. The AWO also provides individual support to Aboriginal prisoners at times of crisis, provides education and support in relation to cultural heritage and identity, and will support prisoners with issues related to family reconnection and community reintegration. The AWO will work closely with Aboriginal program providers to assist with responsive program access and engagement.

The Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer will:

• Work collaboratively with Aboriginal service providers to ensure Aboriginal prisoners receive timely access to appropriate cultural programs and service.
• Provide consultation, advice and training on issues related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. In particular, provide consultancy on how clinical programs may be more culturally responsive to the needs of Aboriginal people.
• Assist in the organisation and coordination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander celebrations and events.
• Support Aboriginal prisoners by providing education and support about cultural heritage and identity.
• Provide individual support to Aboriginal prisoners in crisis and assist with issues related to reintegration, family reconnection and community support.
• Encourage personal development, motivation to address barriers and address offending behaviour.

Your Skills & Experience

To be successful in the role of Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer you will:

• Be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Have a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
• Demonstrate deep and authentic understanding of Aboriginal culture, traditions and the impact that the criminal justice system has on Aboriginal men, families and communities.
• Communicate sensitively and effectively with members of the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
• Be mature, flexible and empathetic to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners.
• Have well-developed interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), assertiveness and negotiation skills.
• Be able to work collaboratively with other program areas and disciplines.

About the Benefits

Joining GEO is your chance to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of prisoners, their families and the community. Benefits of working for GEO, include but are not limited to:

• Role diversity and internal career progression opportunities.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities (including further education sponsorship).
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive salary and rewards scheme.
• Free parking.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Staff gym.
• Subsidised meals.

Joining GEO is your chance to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of prisoners, their families and the community – Apply Now!

A position description is attached.