Researcher and Evaluator

We are the country's leading provider of outsourced correctional services, operating in NSW and VIC. GEO aims to deliver better corrections and create safer communities. We focus on providing a continuum of care and integration of services to make a real difference in the lives of people we work with. Our company is defined by us always acting with Integrity, showing everyone Respect without fail, being Accountable at all times, always being Agile and continuously looking for opportunities to be Innovative. 

For more information about our organisation visit our website www.geogroup.com.au

About Ravenhall Correctional Centre

Ravenhall is Victoria’s largest, medium security prison for adult sentenced and unsentenced males. Its contemporary campus-style design provides a safe and humane environment that enables and nurtures GEOs Continuum of Care operating philosophy.

Ravenhall also has a dedicated Forensic Mental Health Unit, a specialised Closed Supervision Unit for prisoners with significant challenging behaviours, and a small Mission Based Unit for prisoners who have never been in custody before. In recognition of the importance of Continuum of Care, Ravenhall extends its presence into the community by providing ex-prisoners with access to post-release support at GEO’s Community Reintegration Centre.

With key focus on young adult offenders, Aboriginal and those with complex and mental health needs, prisoners at Ravenhall have significant opportunities to engage in work, education, programs and services, through an evidence based approach to reduce re-offending.

Ravenhall’s unprecedented emphasis on offender rehabilitation and reintegration is evidenced through collaborative and integrated relationships with key Alliance service partners including Forensicare, Correct Care Australia, YMCA, Honeywell and Bendigo Kangan Institute of Tafe.

To learn more about Ravenhall Correctional Centre, click here.

Located at Ravenhall Correctional Centre, the Researcher reports to the Senior Researcher and is a member of the Rehabilitation and Reintegration Services team and is responsible for undertaking research activity in line with the annual research and evaluation plan. 

The Researcher will maintain up to date knowledge of current offender rehabilitation literature, evaluate the efficacy of GEO programs and services utilising robust research methodology, develop research proposals and ethics submissions, collate and analyse data, and write research reports. This role will also contribute to the continuous improvement of programs and services through integration of advancements in contemporary offender rehabilitation into service delivery.

The Researcher and Evaluator will:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current best practice in offender rehabilitation and reintegration services including effective means of evaluating programs and services.
• Undertake research and evaluation activity in line with the annual research and evaluation plan.
• Conduct high quality robust program evaluation utilising quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methodologies.
• Undertake data collection, effective data screening and statistical analysis utilising IBM SPSS Statistics.
• Develop internal research proposals and submissions for State-based human ethics committees.
• Provide support to external research agencies and universities approved to undertake research at GEO Centres.
• Undertake literature and article reviews and contribute to the dissemination of research to the broader GEO community via GEO’s communication platform.
• Collate research articles relevant to offender rehabilitation and correctional best practice
• Write high-quality written reports and articles and deliver oral presentations to stakeholders and at conferences as required.
• Collaborate with rehabilitation and reintegration staff on the continuous improvement of GEO programs and services including the provision of training in data integrity and other quality assurance practices.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with key research stakeholders including GEO staff, clients, partners and universities.
• Ensure research activity is undertaken in accordance with GEO policies and State-based requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all Company Policies and Procedures and the Governance, Risk and Compliance Manual.

Your Skills & Experience

To be successful in the role of Researcher and Evaluator you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in psychology, criminology or other related field with high-level skills in statistical analysis and research methodologies.
• Strong research and program evaluation skills as evidenced by previous work history in a researcher or research assistant role.
• Experience in managing complex research projects.
• High-level competence and comprehension of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research methodologies and statistical analysis of clinical data using systems such as IBM SPSS Statistics.
• Highly developed analytical and written communication skills including the ability to write literature reviews and journal articles, conference presentations and detailed reports.
• Knowledge of the “What Works” literature in offender rehabilitation, in addition to the application of the Good Lives Model (GLM) and principles of Risk Need Responsivity (RNR) in reducing recidivism in offender populations - or ability to rapidly acquire understanding of such.

About the Benefits

Joining GEO is your chance to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of prisoners, their families and the community. Benefits of working for GEO, include but are not limited to:

• Role diversity and internal career progression opportunities
• Ongoing funding for professional development opportunities (including further education sponsorship)
• Support with Professional Registration costs
• Flexible working arrangements
• Competitive salary and rewards scheme
• Free parking
• Employee Assistance Program
• Staff gym
• Subsidised meals
  

To be considered for this role, applicants must submit a cover letter and a current resume.

For any enquiries, or to discuss the position in more detail please contact Recruitment at ***************@geogroup.com.au

Please note: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted approximately 2-3 weeks following the closing date. Unsuccessful candidates will be contacted in due course

This is a rare opportunity to join an organisation that is growing and dedicated to improving our communities. Don't wait - Apply Now!

 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are highly encouraged to apply

Applications close at 11:59PM Sunday 25 February 2024  

We are always looking for people to join our company who share the values that we stand for:

INTEGRITY RESPECT ACCOUNTABLE AGILE INNOVATIVE