Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $97,955 - $111,142
Grade: VPS 4
Occupation: Administration
Location: Barwon South West - Greater Geelong
Reference: DJCS/9286JULY
The Department of Justice and Community Safety (the department) is seeking an Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator (AEC) to fill a vital role at Western Plains Correctional Centre.
This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.
About the Business Unit
Western Plains Correctional Centre is a modern, maximum-security prison focussed on rehabilitation, housing up to 1248 people in custody. Western Plains features multi-purpose infrastructure which is adaptable to the evolving needs of Corrections Victoria and the people in our care. Modern amenities include medical wards, a cultural centre, and vocational training facilities.
Western Plains provides a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to individualised care which motivates, encourages and promotes reintegration into the community. Western Plains has advanced technology which improves security, streamlines operations and enhances connections for the people in our care.
Western Plains operates with three primary service teams: Workforce and Prison Services, Communities, and Safety and Operational Service which collaboratively deliver comprehensive services for people in our care, safety management, and corporate services. Through its innovative design and service model, Western Plains aims to create a thriving environment conducive to safety and positive behavioural change.
About the role:
The Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator is a key role within the Aboriginal Services team contributing to the co-ordination of a range of culturally responsive programs and services that aim to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal people within the Victorian correctional system.
As the AEC you will conduct outward facing responsibilities, building and strengthening effective relationships with Aboriginal organisations, Community Correctional Services, post release support agencies and the Victorian Aboriginal Community. This includes seeking community commitment through consultation on the development of programs and services, and community engagement within prisons.
You will lead, manages and provides cultural supervision and support to Aboriginal Wellbeing Officers (AWOs), including advice and support on any issues impacting Aboriginal people in care. In addition, the position will contribute t o and support the location to embed a positive pro-social environment, and a connected, multi-disciplinary approach to service delivery.
Additionally, you will work closely with the Aboriginal Engagement Advisors who sit within the Naalamba Ganbu Nerrlinggu Yilam (Yilam) as well as the broader team, to ensure information sharing and communications is maintained and processes and procedures are consistent where applicable across the State.
This position will require direct prisoner contact and may require flexible work hours, including weekends and public holidays, and attend to urgent work as required. Appropriate remuneration will be applied for the above in accordance with the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2020.
Some of your responsibilities will include:
About you
To be successful in this role, you will have:
Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact [email protected]if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.
For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made.
To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.
How to Apply
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and misconduct screening.
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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
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. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.