Convenor

The Restorative Justice Unit (RJU) is within the Justice Reform Branch of Legislation, Policy and Programs in the Justice and Community Safety (JACS) Directorate. The RJU is a high-performing, inclusive and dynamic environment which is guided by trauma-informed and restorative practice, both with clients and with each other. The RJU provides innovative and voluntary restorative justice services to persons harmed by an offence, those responsible, and their respective communities, assisting them to journey away from harm and toward healing. This often looks like a meeting between those most affected by an offence. Careful assessment, preparation and facilitation ensures a safe and productive environment to meet and discuss: what happened; how people are affected; and how to make things better. In doing so, the RJU aims to:

- Support people who have been harmed by crime, provide a forum for their voice, and empower them to have their needs met in the aftermath
- Repair and strengthen supportive relationships for both persons harmed and persons responsible
- Encourage responsibility-taking by persons responsible
- Identify outcomes which are forward-looking and which address the interests and needs of persons harmed.

The Convenor plays an integral role in this process by facilitating the restorative justice conferencing process. The Convenor initiates contact with the participants and works with them collaboratively to identify interests, needs and responsibilities arising from the offence. Where assessed as suitable, the Convenor assists the participants to prepare for and take part safely and meaningfully in a conference. The Convenor also monitors any agreements to support persons responsible to follow-through on what they have said they’ll do to address the harm caused.

Convenors work closely with Senior Convenors and the Director to identify and manage risks in relation to conferencing, particularly in cases involving family violence and sexual violence. Additionally, Convenors work closely with the RJU’s Indigenous Convenor and Indigenous Guidance Partner to respond effectively to the needs of First Nations participants. Convenors also work closely with a variety of government and non-government organisations to manage risks and holistically address the needs of participants.

This role is a unique and rewarding opportunity to work with voluntary clients in an empowering way to address the impacts of harmful behaviour in their lives. Participants who have worked with the RJU Convenors report:

- “It was a difficult moment for my family, but RJ allowed us to put the past behind us and look forward to the future.”_
- “I’m glad I got to see him again [the person responsible], I remembered him as being dangerous, but today he just looked scared. I’ll never forget how scared I felt when he broke in, but now I see him differently and he doesn’t frighten me anymore_

The ACT Public Service supports workforce diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally diverse people and those who identify as LGBTIQ are encouraged to apply.

**Eligibility/Requirements**
- Driver’s licence class C is essential.
- This position requires a Working with Vulnerable People Check.
- Qualifications in behavioural science or criminology are desirable.
- Qualifications in conflict resolution/mediation are desirable.

**Notes**:There are several positions available, one permanent position and one temporary position available immediately for six months with the possibility of extension up to 12 months and/or permanency.

The RJU is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace. As part of this commitment Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability and those who identify as LGBTIQ are encouraged to apply.

A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months.

**How to Apply**: Applicants should submit:

- A short cover letter (no more than one page) introducing yourself and why you’re interested in this position, as well as outlining your ability to meet compliance requirements/qualifications.
- A supporting statement (no more than three pages) outlining how your skills and experience demonstrate your ability to meet the professional/technical skills and knowledge and the behavioural capabilities as set out in the position description.
- A current curriculum vitae including the name and contact details of two referees (at least one must be your current manager/supervisor).

**Note**:
There are several positions available, one permanent position and one temporary position available immediately for six months with the possibility of extension up to 12 months and/or permanency.