This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

This employment opportunity is only available to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Position Overview

The Baggarrook Woman’s Transitional Housing Program “Program” has been established to assist eligible Aboriginal woman who have been released from prison to make a successful reintegration into the community after their release.

The Program incorporates the provision of six transitional houses and post release support to Aboriginal woman exiting prison, with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) and Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV) working in partnership to deliver the program. While key partners, Corrections Victoria and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recognise that it is important to the success of the Program that it is led by VALS and AHV as Aboriginal community organisations.

The overarching objective of the Program is to improve successful reintegration of Aboriginal woman into the community after release from prison;

The Program seeks to improve the likelihood of successfully reintegrating Aboriginal woman released from prison by providing:

• Stable and secure transitional accommodation as a platform for individualised and targeted service provision;
• Culturally appropriate services which address known risk factors and the known multiple and complex individual needs of Aboriginal people;
• Services and cultural support to maximise opportunities for knowledge, skill development and social and economic participation; and
• Participants of the facility to plan and transition in to long term safe and secure housing ideally within 6-12months.

Successful implementation and delivery of the Program is anticipated to contribute to reduced reoffending for program participants.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide support to clients existing prison for a period of up to 18 months.
2. Ability to undertake and monitor risk assessments for the program and the individual clients.
3. Develop and continued monitoring of program templates and service delivery model.
4. Offer appropriate support to clients within a case management framework including relationship building, referrals, linking in with organisations and establishing of community supports.
5. Work with service providers to ensure the client can access culturally responsive services.
6. Liaise with prison staff that are undertaking assessment and application into the program to ensure applicant are aware of program support parameters,
7. Record client progress and outcomes ensuring that necessary statistical data is accurately recorded and that accurate case notes are kept.
8. Contribute to the development of positive relationships between the local Koori community and community services,
9. Attend and participate in staff, partner organisation and community meetings.
10. Provide monthly reports to the Line Manager.
11. Liaise and network with other Aboriginal organisations and agencies to promote the Post Release Reintegration Programs.
12. Provide activity reports on a timely basis, attend staff meetings as required, participate in ongoing training and staff development, and act at all times in a professional manner, upholding the organisation’s core values.
13. Complete quarterly reporting requirements as required by the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
14. As directed, undertake other duties which are incidental and peripheral to the main tasks, provided that such duties are reasonably within the employee’s skills, competence and training.

Key Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated experience in case management practices including individualised support plans.
2. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to work with complex behaviours including mental health, disability, alcohol and other drugs and trauma.
3. A demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian legal system.
4. An understanding of the legal issues faced by Victorian Aboriginal communities.
5. An in depth understanding of the relationships between the VALS, government agencies and Koori organisations.
6. Demonstrated managerial skills and/or qualifications, including the demonstrated ability to deliver justice service programs.
7. Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
8. A commitment to and understanding of Victorian Aboriginal culture and community, and the ability to communicate effectively with members of those communities.
9. The ability to work in a multi-skilled environment.
10. Computer skills