Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer

**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 strong leadership and advocacy skills and a desire to work within a team of Aboriginal staff to contribute to creating a stronger, healthier and safer community?**:
**Attractive annual salary of $74,487 - $78,211 is on offer for this position.**:
**About Ravenhall Correctional Centre**:
Ravenhall Correctional Centre is part of The GEO Group Australia, based west of Melbourne and is Victoria's largest prison for adult sentenced and unsentenced males. It's contemporary campus-style design provides a safe and humane environment that enables and nurtures GEO's 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.

**About the Opportunity**:
The Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer (AWO) is responsible for the provision of pre and post-release services that promote health, wellbeing and ‘healing’ of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners, their families and the broader Aboriginal community. They meet with all Aboriginal new receptions and contribute to their induction and orientation to the centre.

The AWO also provides individual support to Aboriginal prisoners at times of crisis, provides education in relation to cultural heritage and identity, and support prisoners with issues related to family reconnection and community reintegration.

The AWO will identify as an Aboriginal Australian and 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 Indigenous culture, peoples, Country and traditions and the impact that the criminal justice system has on indigenous 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 be mature, flexible and empathetic to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners.
- Well-developed interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), assertiveness and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other program areas and disciplines.

**Desirable**:

- A background in Social Work, Welfare or Community Services.
- Previous experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a health, case-management or wellbeing role.

To view a copy of the position description, please click here.

**About the Benefits**:
Joining GEO is an exciting chance to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of prisoners, their families and the community.

You will receive an attractive remuneration package ranging between $74,487 - $78,211. In addition, you'll enjoy free onsite parking, subsidised meals and access to the staff gym.

GEO provides ongoing supervision and professional development to ensure that our staff continue to develop and grow while working at Ravenhall. We are committed to creating a positive working culture where our employees can work ethically and responsively to meet the needs of prisoners, therefore promoting lasting positive change.
- If successful for this role you will be considered an authorised worker and as such will be requested to show evidence during the recruitment process confirming you have satisfied the mandated Covid-19 vaccination requirements as set out by the Victorian Government and Department of Health and Human Services for authorised workers._

We are always looking for people to join our company who share the values that we stand for:
**INTEGRITY - RESPECT - ACCOUNTABLE - AGILE - INNOVATIVE