Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator

About this role

This is an Aboriginal designated position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal people are eligible to apply.

• Contribute to the co-ordination of Aboriginal programs and services at Western Plains Correctional Centre.
• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant key internal and external stakeholders including Aboriginal community organisations to provide an integrated service response for Aboriginal people.
• Lead and manage a team of Aboriginal Wellbeing Officers, providing cultural and operational support in day-to-day operations.
• VPS Grade 4: $95,102- $107,905 plus superannuation

About the Business Unit

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 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. 

Western Plains will work closely with the Naalamba Ganbu Nerrlinggu Yilam (the Yilam) responsible for leading the design, development, implementation and monitoring of Corrections Victoria (CV) policies, programs and services aimed at reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal people within the Victorian correctional system. The Yilam seeks to do this by working in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal community, related agencies and CV staff to understand the needs of Aboriginal people in the justice system to ensure effective policies, programs and services are in place.

About the Role

The Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator is a designated position and will be based at Western Plains Correctional Centre.  The Aboriginal Engagement Advisor will conduct outward facing responsibilities which will consist of building effective relationships with Aboriginal communities and organisations.

The Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator will create and strengthen linkages between the prison locations, Community Correctional Services, Aboriginal Community organisations, post release support agencies and the Victorian Aboriginal community and work closely with the Naalamba Ganbu Nerrlinggu Yilam (the Yilam) who are responsible for leading the design, development, implementation and monitoring of Corrections Victoria (CV) policies, programs and services aimed at reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal people within the Victorian correctional system.

In this role you will be required to provide cultural supervision and support to prison-based Aboriginal Wellbeing Officers and liaise with stakeholders to coordinate engagement within the prisons. Additionally, you will be in frequent contact with Aboriginal Wellbeing Officers within their region and to provide advice and support Aboriginal Wellbeing Officers with any issues that arise that are impacting Aboriginal people in Correction Victoria's care.

Some of your duties will include:

• Work closely with the Yilam, the local Aboriginal Community, Aboriginal Community Organisations, other service providers and government departments, engagement and developing trust with the Community.
• Provide face to face, on-site assistance to Aboriginal Wellbeing Officers and Aboriginal people in Correction Victoria's care as required.

To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal community, both society and culture and the issues impacting on it.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with the Victorian Aboriginal community.
• Experience in supervising staff that are working with Aboriginal clients with a complex trauma background highly regarded.

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. Aboriginal Designated positions are reserved exclusively for candidates of Aboriginal descent. Only Aboriginal candidates can progress to Interview. A Confirmation of Aboriginality (CoA) is required for designated positions.

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.

Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Workforce unit throughout the recruitment process. Please visit https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/careers/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-island-employment for further information or email aboriginalworkforce@justice.vic.gov.au .

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.