Forensic Case Worker

• Want to be part of a team dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive community, diverting people from the justice system?
• Seeking to grow and develop your skills in Forensic Case work?
• Looking for a rewarding role with competitive perks, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive organisation that values your growth and wellbeing?

At ACSO, we look for people who believe in second chances, who share our values and are passionate about supporting forensic clients to re integrate back into the community. If this sounds like you, read on!

Please note, due to the client group, we are only seeking male staff for this position.

• Full time, permanent position available. Ararat location!
• $82,063.28 base salary + 11% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options (more after tax $ in your pocket!)
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Phone and laptop provisions
• Learning and development opportunities - including access to ACSO's leadership development program and a dedicated leadership coach. In house training suite of client specific training including in Trauma Informed Practice, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), plus best practice training on all aspects of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
• Flexible working arrangements - includes options for an accrued day off or compressed hours, work from home 1 day per fortnight
• Career progression opportunities - leadership development programs and coaching, opportunities for internal consultancy or secondments to other programs
• Wellbeing initiatives - such as free flu vaccines, wellbeing and professional development vouchers, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program. Our employees matter!
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies or gender affirmation

The Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) is a vibrant, values driven NFP, focused on partnering with Government and the community to co-design services that create real social change. We are an organisation with a bold vision to create a safe and inclusive community where prison truly is the last resort. Our purpose is to strengthen the wellbeing of our communities by advocating for and delivering services which divert people away from the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias. ACSO is committed to the equitable treatment of its participants, employees and partners. We believe in humanity and celebrating the diverse voices of our community through leadership, practice and policy design, to honour and embrace diverse traditions, cultures and experiences of those we support and work alongside.

The role of the Forensic Case Worker is to provide effective support for eligible clients who are exiting custody or subject to a Post Sentence Order. Working between the correctional facility in Ararat and within the community, day to day activities will include making connections with new participants, working with them to develop individualised support plans, which include establishing goals that target their assessed risks and needs; providing guidance and support to the client to comply with any Order conditions and achievement of these goals. Daily work also includes maintaining case notes and associated administration, liaising with stakeholders and building community service networks to support role delivery.

As a Forensic Case Worker, you will be responsible for working as part of a multi-disciplinary team in meeting agreed contact hours, whilst supporting participants to achieve positive outcomes with respect to their identified needs and individual goals.

The Community Support Program (CSP) is a vital service that compliments Corrections Victoria's specialist case management model. The CSP provides pro-active, practical and individualised assistance that facilitates post-sentence order offender's access to a range of community supports and services that address their multi-faceted needs.

• Minimum Diploma level qualification in an area relevant to the program being overseen (Social Work, Justice, Psychology, Community Services and/or Welfare Studies), or significant relevant experience
• Minimum of 2 years' relevant or equivalent experience
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Competence in using PC-based office applications (i.e. Microsoft Office) and internet
• Experience developing support plans and goal attainment strategies
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution and mediation skills
• Demonstrated ability to advocate on behalf of the ACSO client group
• Ability to build positive relationships and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities
• Knowledge and competency in casework practices
• Demonstrated capacity to work flexibly, possess the ability to manage competing demands, and able to effectively set boundaries and limits where required
• Strong skills particularly in relation to assessment and case planning associated with high-risk participants
• A commitment to safety and self-care
• Dedication to service improvement and continual professional development
• Demonstrated flexibility and responsiveness to changing requirements.

If you think you'd be a great fit - we'd love to hear from you!

To apply and view the position description (PD), please visit our careers website and provide a copy of your resume, a brief covering letter outlining responses to the selection criteria found in the PD.

As ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance before they commence employment in this position.

To learn more about this position, please contact Angela Goodhew, Program Manager on 0438 980 ***.

Applications close Monday 1 July 2024

Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found sooner, so we recommend applying early!

ACSO proudly acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia's first peoples and pay respect to their rich culture, lores, customs and elders past and present. We strongly embrace the spirit of reconciliation and continue working towards ensuring an equal voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly those who have been touched by the justice system.

ACSO recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias and aims to provide a safe working environment, one which seeks to protect those affected by domestic and family violence and holds those who may use domestic and family violence to account, whilst supporting positive behaviour change.

ACSO embraces diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from appropriately qualified and skilled people regardless of their background. All suitable applicants for this role will be considered regardless of age, ability, race, gender expression, sex, cultural background, spiritual beliefs or lived experience.