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Family Practitioner

The GEO Group Australia

About The GEO Group Australia

The GEO Group is the country's leading provider of outsourced correctional services, operating in NSW and VIC. We aim to deliver better corrections and create safer communities. We focus on providing a continuum of care and integration of services to make a real difference in the lives of people we work with. As a Registered Training Provider (number 3570), GEO offers a wide variety of training programs which are nationally accredited.

Our company is defined by us always acting with Integrity, showing everyone Respect without fail, being Accountable at all times, always being Agile and continuously looking for opportunities to be Innovative.

To view our videos, including the type of individuals we seek to join our business, click here.

For more information about our organisation, visit our website at www.geogroup.com.au.

About Ravenhall Correctional Centre

Ravenhall is a 1300 bed medium security prison for adult sentenced and remand males. Its contemporary campus-style design reflects four accommodation communities with varying profiles:

  1. Sentenced,
  2. Sentenced and remand focused on indigenous men and short stay prisoners,
  3. Remandees and
  4. Protection (sentenced and remand).

Community accommodation is complimented by a further 75-bed Forensic Mental Health Unit, a 25-bed Unit for prisoners with significant challenging behaviours, and a 25-bed Mission Unit designed to respond intensively and therapeutically to current community issues. In recognition of the importance of Continuum of Care, Ravenhall extends its presence into the community by providing ex-prisoners with access to post-release support at GEO’s Community Reintegration Centre.

Through investment in opportunities for prisoners to engage in work, education and programs, prisoners are not only held safely and securely but given every chance to turn their lives around. Issues behind much of the crime in our communities – such as violent attitudes, anti-social behaviours and the abuse of drugs and alcohol – are addressed through innovative programs and interventions. At the same time helping prisoners with day-to-day challenges such as gaining and holding down employment and finding a suitable place to live also help prevent a return to crime.

Ravenhall’s unprecedented emphasis on offender rehabilitation and reintegration is evidenced by a significantly sized team of clinicians, working in concert with a number of Victoria’s most respected organisations including Forensicare, Correct Care, YMCA, Kangan Institute. Together, Ravenhall provides an integrated service system that collaboratively brings about lasting positive change in the lives of prisoners pre- and post-release. Through these partnerships the objective of Safer Victorian Communities is achieved.

For more information about Ravenhall Correctional Centre, click here.

About the Opportunity

The Family Practitioner will provide pre-and post-release interventions that support prisoners to develop positive links and networks with their families. They are responsible for assisting prisoners to maintain or re-establish familial relationships that can act as a protective factor and support positive rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes.

Using a whole of family approach, the Family Practitioner will identify, assess and coordinate family services including the family case management program as well as referrals for men and their families to community agencies as required. This includes liaison with Government Departments, such as the Department of Health and Human Services, Child Protection, to assist the prisoner’s transition to the family unit and broader community. They will also deliver RCC’s Parenting Program to provide simple and practical strategies to help prisoners develop strong, healthy relationships, confidently manage their children’s behaviour and prevent problems developing.

This role will:

  • Assist in the management of reintegration programs and prisoner services that relate to family services.
  • Facilitate Ravenhall’s Family Case Management Programs by undertaking a comprehensive assessment and tailored support
  • RT plan to meet the needs of the participant.
  • Act as a point of contact (and advocacy function where appropriate) between DHHS Child Protection and other community services, including where men identify a desire to maintain/re-establish contact with their children.
  • Deliver a high-quality family support and reunification service to incarcerated men.
  • Facilitate a group-based parenting program and provide individual parenting support where required.
  • Evaluate and report on program outcomes to relevant stakeholders as required.
  • Coordinate the Just for Dads program by delivering monthly themed activities for men at Ravenhall with their children.
  • Liaise and work co-operatively with Child Protection, legal representatives, carers and family members of prisoners (including community agencies and services).
  • Provide expert advice and consultation for staff on prisoner family programs and matters.

Your Skills and Experience

To be successful in the role of Family Practitioner you will have:

  • Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology or related social science/welfare fields or equivalent professional experience.
  • Sound knowledge of contemporary/community issues and matters that effect families and prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
  • Experience in Family Case Management and liaising with internal and external agencies such as DHHS, Child Protection.
  • Experience in the delivery of parenting programs.
  • Understanding of trauma and trauma-informed practice.
  • Proven ability to build rapport and maintain effective relationships with prisoners, peers and relevant agencies/key stakeholders.

For more information about this position, please click here to download the position description.

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 funding for professional development opportunities (including further education sponsorship)
  • Support with Professional Registration costs
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Competitive salary and rewards scheme
  • Free parking
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Staff gym
  • Subsidised meals

This is your chance to be a part of a new model, with a philosophical focus on the rehabilitation and reintegration of all prisoners to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes.

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

Apply Now!

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are highly encouraged to apply

Applications close at 11 pm, Sunday 31 January 2021. For enquiries please contact Ana Cuchilla-Castillo or Nimit Pandya, HR Officer on 03 8363 2658 or 03 8363 2662.

Please note: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted approximately 2-3 weeks following the closing date. Unsuccessful candidates will be contacted in due course.

How to apply

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