Aboriginal Programs Coordinator

**Do you have knowledge and experience working within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community?**:
**Do you have an interest in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in the Justice System?**:
**Do you have the desire and skills to lead a team of Aboriginal staff to contribute to creating a stronger, healthier and safer community?**:
**Attractive annual salary of $90,000 - $94,000 is on offer for this position.**:
**About The GEO Group Australia**:
To view our videos, including the type of individuals we seek to join our business, click here.

**About Ravenhall Correctional Centre**:
**Ravenhall** is Victoria’s largest, medium security prison for adult sentenced and unsentenced males. Its contemporary campus-style design provides a safe and humane environment that enables and nurtures GEOs Continuum of Care operating philosophy.

Ravenhall also has a dedicated Forensic Mental Health Unit, a specialised Closed Supervision Unit for prisoners with significant challenging behaviours, and a small Mission Based Unit for prisoners who have never been in custody before. In recognition of the importance of Continuum of Care, Ravenhall extends its presence into the community by providing ex-prisoners with access to post-release support at GEO’s Community Reintegration Centre.

With key focus on young adult offenders, Aboriginal and those with complex and mental health needs, prisoners at Ravenhall have significant opportunities to engage in work, education, programs and services, through an evidence based approach to reduce re-offending.

Through investment in opportunities for prisoners to engage in work, education and programs, prisoners are not only held safely and securely but given every chance to turn their lives around. Issues behind much of the crime in our communities - such as violent attitudes, anti-social behaviours and the abuse of drugs and alcohol - are addressed through innovative programs and interventions. At the same time helping prisoners with day-to-day challenges such as gaining and holding down employment and finding a suitable place to live also help prevent a return to crime.

Ravenhall’s unprecedented emphasis on offender rehabilitation and reintegration is evidenced through collaborative and integrated relationships with key Alliance service partners including Forensicare, Correct Care Australia, YMCA, Honeywell and Bendigo Kangan Institute of Tafe. Together, Ravenhall provides an integrated service system that collaboratively brings about lasting positive change in the lives of prisoners pre
- and post-release. Through these partnerships the objective of Safer Victorian Communities is achieved.

To learn more about Ravenhall Correctional Centre, click here.

**About the Opportunity**:
The Aboriginal Programs Coordinator (APC) plays a key role in GEO’s Aboriginal Programs team. They are responsible for the leadership and supervision of staff within the Aboriginal programs team implementing the delivery of Aboriginal programs and supports at Ravenhall Correctional Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners.

These programs focus upon strengthening the connection of Aboriginal men to their community, culture and country with an emphasis on enhancing social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. This includes the provision of individual support to Aboriginal prisoners where required and assistance in the provision of education in relation to culture heritage and identity.

They provide consultation and advice to all staff at Ravenhall to assist in ensuring a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Prisoners. The APC is an identified Aboriginal position and this person will also ideally have a background in social work, welfare or community services.

**Your Skills & Experience**:
To be successful in the role you will possess the following:
**Essential**:

- A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and demonstrated commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal people.
- A deep and authentic understanding of Aboriginal culture, peoples, Country and traditions and the impact that the criminal justice system has on Aboriginal men, families and communities.
- A demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with members of the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
- A demonstrated ability to provide supervision and mentoring to a small team of staff - Or willingness to undertake training.
- An ability to communicate a clear vision, manage performance expectations, and ensure policies and procedures are adhered to.
- A demonstrated ability to be mature, flexible and empathetic to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners.
- Well-developed interpersonal, communication, assertiveness and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other program areas and disciplines.

**Desira