Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer

At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we are looking for people who want to make a difference. We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We're all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or cultural background.

The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children's rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.

We are proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?

Provide cultural and practical support for Aboriginal prisoners and provide support and advice to key stakeholders. Ongoing, full-time opportunity to work with high-performing and passionate teams in various locations. VPS Grade 3: $79,122 - $96,073 plus superannuation.

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. A Certificate of Aboriginality will be required prior to an offer of employment being made.

NEW SIGN-ON BONUS: New candidates who are successful in obtaining a position as an Aboriginal wellbeing officer (AWO) will be eligible for a bonus of up to $8,000.

About the role: The AWO role was established under the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement, as a response to the findings of the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. AWOs are part of Corrections Victoria's commitment to reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system and ensuring that Aboriginal Victorians achieve the same justice outcomes as the broader Victorian community.

Some of your duties will include:

• Provide cultural and practical support for Aboriginal prisoners by identifying their strengths, aspirations and obtainable goals for returning to a non-offending lifestyle in their community.
• Interview and complete a wellbeing checklist with Aboriginal prisoners as soon as practicable following reception, aiming to provide information regarding Indigenous-specific programs and services that are available.
• Provide cultural and wellbeing support to Aboriginal prisoners that helps their individual pre and post release needs to be met, advocating on their behalf where appropriate.
• Assist Aboriginal prisoners to access programs and entitlements, to assist with reintegration into the community.
• Regional travel to locations may be required due to business demands and annual leave release.

About you: To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal community, both society and culture, and the issues impacting it.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with members of the Victorian Aboriginal community.

You will be required to attend an Assessment Centre as part of the recruitment process. Please note that this will involve travelling to various prison facilities across Victoria.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening. For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made.

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT: The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality.