Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer

• Join Victoria's brand-new correctional facility in an ongoing full-time role.
• Deliver exceptional case management support for Aboriginal people.
• Help shape the provision of tailored pre and post release programs for Aboriginal men in custody.
• Multiple positions available.

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

Western Plains Correctional Centre (Western Plains) is Victoria's newest maximum-security correctional facility, designed to house up to 1,248 people in custody.

Western Plains is a multi-purpose facility that adapts to the evolving needs of Corrections Victoria. It features purpose-built modern amenities including medical wards, a cultural centre and vocational training facilities. It also utilises cutting-edge technology to keep the facility secure, allowing staff to focus on supporting the rehabilitation of people in custody.

Western Plains will open mid-2025 and Corrections Victoria are now recruiting key roles to help shape the future operations of the facility.

About the role

The Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer (AWO) role was established under the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement, as a response to the findings of the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

AWO's are part of Corrections Victoria's commitment to reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system and to ensuring that Aboriginal Victorians achieve the same justice outcomes as the broader Victorian community.

The AWO will form part of the Aboriginal Services team, which is responsible for the development, co-ordination and delivery of a range of culturally responsive programs, services and events.

Reporting to the Aboriginal Services Manager, the AWO has direct prisoner contact and is responsible for engaging and actively working with Aboriginal people in custody. The AWO provides cultural, spiritual and wellbeing support and leads the co-ordination of cultural activities including NAIDOC events and Aboriginal specific programs. The role will participate in the case management of Aboriginal people, working with multi-disciplinary teams to support successful transition back to the community.

The AWO will understand case management and have a demonstrated understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal Community, both society and culture and the issues impacting on it.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal Community, both society and culture and the issues impacting on it.
• an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with members of the Victorian Aboriginal community.
• expertise to provide cultural and practical support for Aboriginal people in custody through case management strategies to support them achieve goals for a successful return to their community

How to apply:

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

Applications close Wednesday 18 June 2025 at 11.59PM