Is this you?  

• Looking to support and make a difference to a diverse group of people?
• Passionate about growing your experience in the community sector?
• Desire to learn from an experienced and supportive leader? 

At ACSO, we look for people who believe in second chances, who share our values and are passionate about supporting forensic clients to re integrate back into the community. If this sounds like you, read on! 

Please note, casual employees are rostered between two or three Residential houses located in Bendigo. 

Please note, due to the client group, we are only seeking male applicants for this position. ACSO considers that the requirement of being male falls under an exception under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.     

 What ACSO can offer you 

• Casual position available. Bendigo location!
• $48 per hour (including 25% casual loading) + penalty rates as applicable
• Learning and development opportunities – including access to ACSO’s leadership development program and a dedicated leadership coach. In house training suite of client specific training including in Trauma Informed Practice, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), plus best practice training on all aspects of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. 
• Career progression opportunities - leadership development programs and coaching, opportunities for internal consultancy or secondments to other programs 
• Wellbeing initiatives – such as free flu vaccines, wellbeing and professional development vouchers, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program. Our employees matter! 
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies or gender affirmation  

About Us   

The Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) is a vibrant, values driven NFP, focused on partnering with Government and the community to co-design services that create real social change. We are an organisation with a bold vision to create a safe and inclusive community where prison truly is the last resort. Our purpose is to strengthen the wellbeing of our communities by advocating for and delivering services which divert people away from the justice system.  

The Australian Community Support Organisation recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias. ACSO is committed to the equitable treatment of its participants, employees and partners. We believe in humanity and celebrating the diverse voices of our community through leadership, practice and policy design, to honour and embrace diverse traditions, cultures and experiences of those we support and work alongside.

About the roles 

This is a dual position which will work across our Youth Residential Recovery (YRR) program, and our Forensic Disability Residential programs.  

The dual role will require you to have the skills and knowledge to support with the following: 

• Develop, implement and evaluate lifestyle and skills programs to support residents to maintain and develop life skills
• Support residents to develop personal routines and lifestyles to meet their individual needs, abilities and preferences
• As a member of the multidisciplinary team, actively contribute to the development, implementation, and review of individual support and treatment plans, resident assessments and care team meetings 

The dual role requires the ability to perform continuous shift work across a 24 hours per day, 7 days a week program, on rostered shifts, which can involve a combination of morning, afternoon and sleep over shifts including weekends. Due to the nature of shift work the ability to convey important information to co-workers at the end of each shift and to work as part of a team is critical.  

Youth Residential Recovery  

Our Youth Residential Recovery (YRR) program is in the Loddon Catchment in Bendigo Victoria. The YRR is a 24-hour service that supports youth aged 16-25 with a diagnosed mental illness. The aim of the program is to support young people to develop their life skills and implement treatment strategies to enable them to live independently in the community and to improve their quality of life. Working under the general direction of the Team Leader, and in collaboration with the Youth Residential Services Case Manager. 

Forensic Disability Residential program

Our Forensic Residential Disability programs aim to deliver lifestyle and skills support for clients and support clinical intervention and treatment programs. The support provided involves helping adults who have a disability and an offending background to develop life skills, implementing treatment strategies and facilitating meaningful engagement in activities and opportunities to improve quality of life, reduce the risk of reoffending, and increase opportunities for community reintegration. 

The Forensic Residential Worker is a varied role that will require you to adapt to the individual requirements of each clients’ needs. In this role you will also be required to maintain case notes and associated administration, establish relationships and build community service networks to support role delivery.  

What we’re looking for? 

• Minimum Diploma level qualification in a health or behaviour related field (Community Services, Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug, Disability, etc.)
• Current First-Aid Certificate (Provide First Aid, Level 2 or above) or willingness to obtain
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with assertiveness and confidence working with people who demonstrate challenging behaviours
• Knowledge and competency in Microsoft Office and other basic computer programs
• Ability to build positive relationships and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities
• Demonstrated capacity to work flexibly, possess the ability to manage competing demands, and able to effectively set boundaries and limits where required
• Experience in residential care settings and a background working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people will be highly regarded 

How to apply 

If you think you’d be a great fit – we’d love to hear from you! 

To apply and view the position description (PD), please visit our careers website and provide a copy of your resume, a brief covering letter and a document outlining responses to the selection criteria found in the PD. 

As ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance and an employee Working with Children Check (WWCC) before they commence employment in this position.  

To learn more about this position, please contact Karl Richards, Team Leader, 0439 164 832 

Applications close Monday 11:30pm on the closing date.

Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found sooner, so we recommend applying early! 

ACSO proudly acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s first peoples and pay respect to their rich culture, lores, customs and elders past and present. We strongly embrace the spirit of reconciliation and continue working towards ensuring an equal voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly those who have been touched by the justice system. 

ACSO recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias and aims to provide a safe working environment, one which seeks to protect those affected by domestic and family violence and holds those who may use domestic and family violence to account, whilst supporting positive behaviour change. 

ACSO embraces diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from appropriately qualified and skilled people regardless of their background. All suitable applicants for this role will be considered regardless of age, ability, race, gender expression, sex, cultural background, spiritual beliefs or lived experience.