At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we’re looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work. People who get things done. People who are committed to making Victoria a safer place.

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. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you.

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.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers

We’re proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?

"Our people, our pride, our priority”

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

• An exciting opportunity within the Corrections and Justice Services group of Department of Justice and Community Safety
• VPS 3 Classification (salary range $71,853 - $87,245)
• Two (2) roles available: 1x ongoing, full-time role & 1x fixed-term, full-time role until 30/06/2023

About Us

The Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer (AWO) role was established under the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement, as a response to the findings of the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

AWO's are part of Corrections Victoria's commitment to reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system and to ensuring that Aboriginal Victorians achieve the same justice outcomes as the broader Victorian community.

About the Role

The AWO has direct prisoner contact being responsible for engaging and actively working Aboriginal people in custody. The AWO provides cultural, spiritual and wellbeing support and coordinates cultural activities and programs.  This role will participate in case management of Aboriginal Prisoners, working with the multi-disciplinary team to support successful transition back to the community.

The Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer position will give you the opportunity to work with the Aboriginal community and will focus on supporting Aboriginals within the prison environment, their cultural wellbeing, spiritual and traditional needs. On the job training will be provided from commencement of the role and ongoing support by the Aboriginal staff support network will be ongoing.

You will have an understanding of case management and a demonstrated understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal Community, both society and culture and the issues impacting on it. 

As the AWO, you will also lead the coordination of cultural activities including NAIDOC events and Aboriginal specific programs within the prison.

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

About You

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal Community, both society and culture, and the issues impacting on it
• Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with members of the Victorian Aboriginal community
• The ability to pay attention to words, expression and body language, and recognise behaviours that promote a culture of inclusion. Also able to hold self and team accountable towards being inclusive to individuals from diverse backgrounds. The ability to take corrective actions when behaviour displayed does not promote an inclusive workplace
• The ability to see things from another's point of view and confirm understanding, as well as understanding the motivations, needs and wants of stakeholders and their impact on service delivery. Also able to tailor communications according to the audience's preference
• The ability to define tasks to be delivered to meet agreed outcomes, and coordinate and guide others in the execution of work activities. Also able to monitor the progress of tasks against plans and takes corrective action when required.

If you are interested in the Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer position and are looking for more information, there will be opportunity to attend an information session via Zoom. Please send Industry and Offender Services Manager - Hopkins Correctional Centre, Rhonda Hinchliffe an email via rhonda.hinchliffe@justice.vic.gov.au, if you are interested in attending.

How to Apply