Forensic Disability Prison Transition Adviser

Location: Melbourne | Northern Metropolitan

Job type: Full time

Organisation: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

**Salary**: $90,067 - $102,192

Occupation: Community Services

Reference: VG/DFFH/COPL/00681468

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life.

Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTQI+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.

We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria.

If you’re having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on the ad.

The Forensic Disability Prison Transition Advisor is positioned within Forensic Disability Clinical Services (FDCS). The position works collaboratively with this team that provides clinical assessment and treatment, as well as the broader FDS. It is envisaged that the role will spend their work hours in a number of settings, including prisons and FDCS office locations (Fairfield, Bundoora and Fitzroy), as well as some flexibility to work from home when completing administrative duties. The role has a number of objectives, including:

- Identifying suitable clients (who are currently in prison) for IRTP/LTRP as early as possible
- Supporting transition of clients to IRTP/LTRP/DIJAS to maximise their success in FRS
- Working with complex clients directly and/or working with their care teams as they transition out of custody. Support will be provided with holistic and culturally informed ways.
- Supporting those clients who are returned to custody from IRTP/LTRP/DIJAS
- Supporting and coaching staff to run group programs for clients who have transitioned out of custody. Support will be provided in holistic and culturally informed ways.
- Upskilling FDS staff, as well as the relevant SFDA stakeholders (e.g., ACSO and JSS) as they work with clients who are about to, or have just transitioned out of custody.

**ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE**
- Support and coach FDS staff to run group programs for clients who have transitioned out of custody. Support the usual FDS referral processes.
- Provide advice to key prison staff on (a) how to identify and refer suitable clients to IRTP and LTRP in a timely manner, and (b) how to follow the necessary referral process to FDS via FDSAS. Plan, develop and establish sound transition processes for clients with an intellectual disability being released from prison to FRS (IRTP/LTRP/DIJAS) and SFDA.
- Initiate and maintain collaborative relationships amongst Corrections Victoria, FDS and other external stakeholders in the support of clients with an intellectual disability, when planning for their transition from prison to FRS/SFDA.

**Please open the position description to read more.**

**VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS POLICY**

The department may require its employees to be fully vaccinated against preventable diseases such as the current coronavirus (COVID-19). The department's **COVID-19 Vaccination requirements policy**(Word) outlines the requirements for existing employees, other workplace participants and prospective employees. Please read in full prior to applying.

**HOW TO APPLY**

Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.