Restorative Practitioner

Convene and co-convene restorative practice processes between individuals & groups across a range of settings.
- Be part of an organisation that makes a difference in the community
- Full time position
- Dandenong location

About the organisation

Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential.

Since 1977, we've provided services in some of the most disadvantaged in our community.

We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.

About the program

Youth Justice Group Conferencing (YJGC)

YJGC is a state wide program legislated under the Child Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic). YJGC accepts referrals through the Children's Court. It aims to provide an effective community rehabilitation intervention at the pre-sentence stage of the court process.

Youth Justice Group Conferencing is a program based on restorative justice principles. It is a problem solving approach to offending that aims to balance the needs of young people, victims and the community by encouraging dialogue between individuals and groups who have offended and those who have been harmed, both directly and indirectly.

RESTORE

Community Conferencing

Community Conferencing is a non-legislated approach using restorative practice that seeks to repair relationships that have been damaged between individuals, families, groups and communities in a range of settings. It takes into consideration the needs of those responsible for harm caused and the person, family or community affected by the harm. This approach aims to transform conflict into cooperation, harness that cooperation for problem-solving, prevent further harm, promote well-being and develop a pragmatic plan to coordinate community based resources to provide support and oversight. Community Conferencing operates across a range of contexts including but not limited to, the Children's Court Youth Diversion Service (CCYD), pre-release conferencing and conferencing in schools (ENGAGE).

About the role

An exciting opportunity exists for a suitably experienced individual to take on the role of Restorative Practitioner within our Community Justice team.
- Experience working in one or more of these areas: justice, schools, community & mental health.
- Knowledge of restorative practice, and sound understanding of how it is applied.
- Experience working with individuals and groups - identifying the underlying issues, working with conflict, negotiating outcomes, assessing and responding to risk
- Excellent communication skills including;
- ability to adjust your own communication approach based on need and situation,
- understanding of the barriers to effective communication and how to overcome them,
- ability to listen actively and convey information clearly.
- Understanding of the issues that may affect vulnerable or marginalised individuals, families and communities, including young people who come into contact with the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrated understanding of strengths based, trauma informed and therapeutic practice.
- Ability to work with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and understanding of the role that culture plays as a protective factor.
- Ability to fulfill reporting and administrative requirements attached to the position
- Excellent time management skills - specifically the ability to handle a variety of tasks with competing priorities, and within specific timelines.

What Jesuit Social Services can offer you
- A comprehensive Induction and Orientation program
- Ongoing role related training and development
- An organisation that lives their values, through our day to day work
- A welcoming and supportive environment
- Employee assistance program
- A competitive salary plus salary packaging benefits
- Generous leave