Is this you?

• Passionate about supporting forensic clients with complex needs to develop life skills?
• Want to be part of a team dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive community, diverting people from the justice system?
• Seeking a rewarding role with competitive perks, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive organisation that values your growth and wellbeing?

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!

What ACSO can offer you

• Part-time (6 hours per week), permanent position available.
• Ararat location.
• $12,343.28 base salary (pro rata $85,126.08) + 11.5% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Phone and laptop provisions
• 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.
• Flexible working arrangements
• 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 role

The primary role of the Community Support Program (CSP) Group Facilitator is to engage Post Sentence Order participants residing within the Correctional Residential facilities in a range of programs designed to assist them in the development of skills, including those relevant to independent living and improved general wellbeing and relationships. Participants are medium- high risk and present with complex needs. The CSP Group Facilitator will plan the sessions, conduct the group sessions, guiding the discussions and ensuring a positive and productive environment as well maintain associated administration tasks such as group summaries.

The CSP Group Facilitator will work in collaboration with the respective Correctional Residential facility management to identify and implement group activities targeted to specific interests and needs of the participants. They will also be actively involved in the recruitment of participants through the delivery of information sessions and discussions with residents to generate interest in participation.

The CSP Group Facilitator will be responsible for working an after-hours roster (i.e. 2pm to 8pm) and will engage directly with residents enrolled in the group activities. As part of this role, you will also be required to develop new group activity initiatives and programs where specific interests or needs arise. The CSP Group Facilitator may also be called upon to provide one on one programs where individualised needs arise.

What we're looking for

• Minimum Diploma level qualification in an area relevant to the program being overseen (Social Work, Justice, Psychology, Community Services and/or Welfare Studies)
• Qualifications or experience in Group Facilitation (Highly Desirable).
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Competence in using PC-based office applications (i.e. Microsoft Office) and internet.
• Experience developing and facilitating group programs.
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively both autonomously and as part of a team under the direction of a leader.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals presenting with complex needs and experience in the justice system highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated capacity to be proactive in your approach, work flexibly, possess the ability to manage competing demands, and able to effectively set boundaries and limits where required.
• Demonstrated organisational, time management skills to deliver a quality service to clients, as well as demonstrated ability to handle complex situations.
• Sound understanding of client risk management and risk assessment practices.
• An ability to adhere to policy and procedure such as privacy, confidentiality and workplace health and safety.

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 before they commence employment in this position.

To learn more about this position, please contact Angela Goodhew, Program Manager, on 0438980931.

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.