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. We reflect on the critical factors shaping our contemporary world; the social, political and economic contexts, and we adapt our practice to work with those most in need.

Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to 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 PROGRAMS

Our justice programs provide support for people who are involved in the criminal justice system or who are exiting prisons and youth justice precincts. Our program participants are assessed as high risk / high needs and have limited social and family networks, accommodation and post release support options. They often have multiple and complex health concerns. We aim to deliver high quality programs that embody the principles of social justice.

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.

The aim of the restorative practitioner is to provide a pre-sentencing option for the Children’s Court, specifically designed to:

• Divert the young person from more intensive supervisory court outcomes by: raising their understanding of the impact of their offending on the victim; and utilising the resources of the immediate and extended family and/or significant others to support the young person
• Reduce the frequency and seriousness of re-offending by young people referred to the program
• Increase victim satisfaction with the criminal justice process
• Effectively integrate young people into the community following the conference process – promote wellbeing

Children’s Court Youth Diversion (CCYD)

The Children’s Court Youth Diversion Service (CCYD Service) is a pre-plea option that aims to assist young people appearing before the criminal division of the Children’s Court to move forward and complete a diversion plan. We offer a community conference to support this aim. The conference is designed to work closely with the CCYD Service and is tailored to the unique needs of young person.

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 - adult justice, pre-release conferencing, Out of Home Care (OoHC) settings and in schools.

ABOUT THE ROLE

An exciting opportunity exists for a suitably experienced individual to take on the role of Senior Restorative Practitioner within our Community Justice team.

This is a full time role working across our Brunswick and Dandenong sites.

A base salary range of $97,377 is offered (depending on experience), plus superannuation and salary packaging, together with ongoing professional and career development.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

This role will suit a candidate with the following skills and experience:

1. Case management and / or therapeutic practice experience in one or more of these areas: justice, schools, residential care, community & mental health.
2. Knowledge of restorative practice, and understanding of how it can be applied.
3. Experience in providing support, mentoring and/or supervision to staff.
4. Demonstrated experience in program coordination, program implementation and program development.
5. Demonstrated understanding of strengths based, trauma informed and therapeutic practice.
6. Experience working with individuals and groups – identifying the underlying issues, working with conflict and assisting people to communicate effectively.
7. Excellent communication skills with young people, families, stakeholders and colleagues
8. 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.
9. Ability to work with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and understanding of the role that culture plays as a protective factor.
10. Ability to fulfil reporting and administrative requirements attached to the position;
11. 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

How to Apply

Click "Apply Now".

The position description can be found attached.

For further information please contact Alex Ryan, Community Justice Coordinator – Operations and Innovation.

Applicants are required to respond to each of the Key Selection Criteria, with names and contact numbers of two referees. Your responses to the selection criteria should be incorporated into your covering letter. Please apply in confidence.

Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.

We strongly encourage applications from all community members including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with a disability, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and working parents.

Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.