ReConnect Peer Workers x2

Is this you?

• Looking for a rewarding role with salary packaging available (that means you keep more of your money - our employees save about $5,500 a year on average)?

• Looking for a role where your lived experience with the criminal justice system is recognised, respected and valued?

• Passionate about supporting forensic clients and creating a safe, inclusive community?

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

• We are looking for two people to join our fabulous Dandenong ReConnect team!

• 2 x Part time (0.5 FTE) positions

• Dandenong location (come join us at our newest ACSO hub location!)

• $92,298.96 base salary + 12% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options

• Salary packaging available - Our employees save about $5,500 a year on average

• Annual leave loading of 17.5%

• Learning and development opportunities - 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.

• Career progression opportunities - leadership development programs and coaching, opportunities for internal consultancy or secondments to other programs

• Wellbeing initiatives - such as free flu vaccines, 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

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

Established in 2015, the ReConnect program provides pre and post release transitional support to clients exiting prison and assists with successful reintegration into the community. The role of the ReConnect Peer Worker is to assist in the support of individuals released from custody and to support them in their transition into the community.

The ReConnect Peer Worker will work closely alongside Forensic Case Workers while upholding ACSO values to provide direct support and connection to participants in the community after their release. This support may involve one-on-one direct contact with participants in the community and remote service delivery (phone contact and video calls), in addition to collaborative case planning with Forensic Case Workers and other involved professionals.

The ReConnect Peer Worker will form strong relationships with a range of professionals and services in the community to support participants with their successful reintegration into the community.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Building rapport and trust with participants to encourage successful reintegration and an improved quality of life whilst maintaining professional boundaries.

• Support the participant to create and achieve the goals outlined in their individual transition plans.

• Create and maintain detailed, accurate and appropriate high-level case notes for the participants you support on required client information management databases.

• Work collaboratively with Forensic Case Workers, Corrections Victoria, and Department of Justice employees to assist participant engagement and reduce reoffending.

• Achieve contractual outcomes and individual KPIs.

What we're looking for

• Essential: Must have a Lived Experience of the Australian Justice System (preferably involving time in custody) and having successfully overcome previous offending behaviours and/or factors which lead to contact with the justice system.

• A Lived Experience of the Australian Justice System.

• Demonstrated alignment with ACSO's Core Values.

• Ability to confidently build rapport and have a motivating, encouraging presence.

• Written and verbal communications skills.

• Competence in using PC-based office applications (i.e. Microsoft Office) and internet, or able to learn

• Strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

• Demonstrated capacity to work flexibly and possess the ability to manage competing demands.

• Recognises that sharing lived experience is a personal choice and can do so purposefully and appropriately while maintaining professional boundaries.

Desirable but not essential:

• Peer support training and/or any relevant tertiary level qualifications however, not essential.

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 by clicking the 'Apply Now' button 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 Donna Morsman, Program Manager - 0419 294 568

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. If you are a candidate that requires any adjustments to participate in the process, please let us know at pc@acso.org.au using the subject line: ReConnect Peer Workers x2 enquiry via EthicalJobs.