Field Officer - Bendigo

At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we're 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.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

Enjoy a variety of field work and office-based work. Casual opportunity based in Bendigo. Earn a competitive $42.90 per hour plus weekend penalty rates.

Community Work and Partnerships is responsible for the development of mutually beneficial partnerships with government agencies and non-government organisations so that individuals can undertake unpaid work as part of their community-based sentence imposed by the Courts of Victoria. Community work serves as a valuable way for individuals to pay back the community while also reconnecting and reintegrating into the community.

Your primary responsibility as a Field Officer will be to supervise a team of clients at community work sites and other community work programs. Other responsibilities include performing site inspections, assessing hazards, providing informed workplace health and safety advice, guidance and instruction; maintaining tools and equipment register and ensuring repairs are undertaken.

A day in the life of a Field Officer involves collecting a bus/trailer with equipment, driving to a site to collect a group of clients, inducting, instructing and transporting them to a partner not-for-profit organisation in the community. Tasks may involve graffiti removal, painting, litter collection, mowing and weeding.

We are looking for individuals with various backgrounds and experience. Some desirable skills include:

• Ability to communicate and demonstrate a range of tasks and ensure a safe environment for work teams.
• Strong understanding of Occupational Health and Safety practices and their practical application.
• Ability to quickly build rapport to understand the motivations of others, identify issues and suggest appropriate courses of action.
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflict and strong problem-solving skills.
• Model appropriate behaviours and attitudes to assist individuals to develop new skills and work practices.
• Carpentry or handyman skills.
• Gardening, landscaping or painting skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills and written communication skills.

Transporting individuals is also a key part of the role and Field Officers will be required to drive a 12-seater bus with trailer. A full and current drivers' licence is essential for this position. Community Work operates seven days per week and this role will be required to work on weekends.

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. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.