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!

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 role

Our forensic residential 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. The forensic residential facilities require continuous shift work 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, on rostered shifts. These shifts can involve a combination of morning, afternoon and night shifts, including weekends and public holidays. 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.

What we're looking for?

• Preferably a diploma qualification in a relevant discipline, and/or at least 1 years' equivalent experience
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with assertiveness and confidence working with people who demonstrate challenging behaviours
• Experience in residential care settings
• 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
• An extensive background working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people will be highly regarded
• Due to our Forensic Residential Services delivery model, it is expected that the successful applicant(s) have capacity to work across all North-West Specialised Forensic Disability Accommodation in Coburg, Preston and Yarraville. The successful applicant(s) will have flexibility Monday to Sunday from the hours of 7.00am to 11.00pm, with the expectation they can complete the sleepover competent to the afternoon shifts.

What ACSO can offer you

• Multiple casual positions available across our North-West Melbourne premises
• $41.81 hourly rate (inclusive of 25% casual loading) plus penalty rates as applicable under the SCHADS Award 2010
• Learning and development opportunities
• Wellbeing initiatives such as free flu vaccines, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program
• Flexible working arrangements

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 head over to our careers website and upload your resume, cover letter and a separate document outlining your responses to the key selection criteria (found in the PD), along with any other documents to support your application.

If you would like to find out more information about this position, please contact Jarrod Mitchell, Program Manager - Residential Services on 0408 721 129.

ACSO is committed to maintaining a working environment that is safe and minimises risk to the health and wellbeing of all employees, clients, contractors, volunteers and representatives. ACSO's new employees will be required to be double vaccinated against COVID-19. All ACSO preferred candidates are required to provide proof of their vaccination status, prior to offers of employment being made.

Please note, as ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance before they commence employment in this position.

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.

The Australian Community Support Organisation 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.