Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator

**Lead and manage a team of Aboriginal Wellbeing Officers, providing cultural and operational support day-to-day operations.to-day operations**:

- **Ongoing full-time position**:

- **VPS Grade 4: $97,955 - $111,142 plus superannuation.**

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 to 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**:

- Contribute to the development of Aboriginal Services, including operating policies and procedures and assist the location to implement Corrections Victoria's AJA commitments and initiatives.
- Work closely with the local Aboriginal Community, Aboriginal Community Organisations, other service providers and government departments, engaging and developing trust with the Community, including attendance and participation in meetings and other related forums as required.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with relevant working parties, key internal and external stakeholders, including Aboriginal community organisations, towards the promotion and development of an integrated service response and service delivery to the rehabilitation and reintegration of Aboriginal prisoners and offenders.
- Motivate and influence AWO's in the wellbeing and transition needs of Aboriginal people, modelling pro social behaviours, implement strength-based approaches, undertaking trauma informed practices, and ensuring a culturally safe experience for all Aboriginal people.

**About you**

To be successful in this role, you will have:

- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal community, both society and culture and the issues impacting on it.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and work effectively with the Victorian Aboriginal community.
- Experience in supervising staff that are working with Aboriginal clients with a complex trauma background h