Forensic Case Worker

Is this you?

• Looking for a meaningful role where you can impact the lives of people transitioning from the justice system?
• Want to join a values based, supportive and impactful organisation?
• Keen to grow your casework skills in the forensic space?

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!

What ACSO can offer you

• Full time, permanent positions available
• Wacol, Brisbane location with a hybrid of working from the office, prisons, and from home (if desired), in line with operational requirements
• $82,063.28 base salary + 11% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options (more after tax $ in your pocket!)
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Phone, laptop, and provisions to help set you up at home
• Learning and development opportunities, including access to ACSO's leadership development program and a dedicated leadership coach
• Wellbeing initiatives such as free flu vaccines, wellbeing and professional development vouchers, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program. Our employees matter!
• Flexible working arrangements, including options for an accrued day-off or compressed fortnight
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies or gender affirmation.

About Us

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.

About the role and program

The CREST program is a state-wide reintegration support service delivered in partnership with Queensland Corrective Services (QCS). ACSO is responsible for delivering CREST support in the South East Queensland (SEQ) region which contains six Male Correctional Facilities and seventeen Community Corrections offices. CREST support is provided in collaboration with the client and focusses on resolving any barriers pertaining to their return to the community in addition to promoting a successful reintegration journey. The CREST service delivery model employs case coordination and an assertive outreach approach to achieve successful outcomes for the people we support. This is achieved by establishing relationships with existing health and community service providers and advocating for the delivery of timely and effective support to CREST clients.

Forensic Case Workers will be responsible for delivering pre- and post- release support to their allocated participants and will work intensively with prisons, courts and where applicable, with community corrections to successfully reintegrate participants. The Forensic Case Worker will be responsible for record keeping (including data entry and case-noting) and providing assertive outreach and interventions to at-risk and vulnerable cohorts.

What we're looking for

We are most focused on finding someone with the right attitude who is flexible and a team player. You will also have/be:

• Minimum of 2 years' relevant or equivalent experience
• The ability to enter and work in a prison environment
• Experience developing support plans and goal attainment strategies
• Confidence and 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
• An extensive background working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people will be highly regarded
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

How to apply

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 and a document 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 Cassandra Patterson, Program Manager, on 0427 824 ***.

Applications close Monday 18 March 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.