Senior Disability Support Officer, Prison Disability Support Initiative (PDSI)
We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you.
The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children’s rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.
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.
For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers
We are proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?
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| Department: | Department of Justice and Community Safety |
| Work Type: | Fixed term - full time |
| Job Function: | Prison and Corrective Services |
| Classification: | VPSG5 |
| Work Location: | Melbourne - CBD |
| Reference: | VG/PDSISNRDSO |
| Closing Date: | 23-Mar-2025 |
| Salary Range: | $109,730 - $132,764 |
| Job Duration: | N/A |
| Attachments: | Position Description CV0755 - Senior Disability Support Officer, PDSI - VPS5.docx (Word, 598KB) Job Specification |
| Contact: | Elena Valimberti candidatecare@justice.vic.gov.au |
Position Details
- Better support, better outcomes: help people in custody with disabilities get the care they need.
- Lead a team of disability support officers doing vital work.
- Full-time, fixed-term role until mid-2026.
- Earn $109,730 – $132,764 per year plus super (VPS Grade 5).
- Hybrid role – work from home, CBD-based head office and Victorian correctional facilities.
Where you will be working
The prison disability support initiative (PDSI) is a state-wide rehabilitation service that assists people in custody with cognitive impairments and complex disability needs. The PDSI is a unit within Corrections Victoria, which is part of the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
The PDSI aims to:
- Identify prisoners with neurological and physical impairments.
- Assess disability needs to inform decisions on placement, case management and rehabilitation.
- Educate corrections staff on how to better understand and support the people in their care.
- Link individuals with appropriate disability support services.
What you will do
The senior disability support officer is a leader within PDSI, managing a team of disability support officers.
You will:
- Offer expert guidance on supporting prisoners with complex disabilities. You will draw on your knowledge of justice support pathways and community-based services.
- Train and guide prison staff on disability awareness and best practices.
- Oversee processes and risk management to maintain high-quality support.
- Identify and implement system-wide improvements to enhance rehabilitation and support for people with disabilities in custody.
Why work with us
There are many advantages of working for the Department of Justice and Community Safety, including:
✔ A fair salary – enjoy great work conditions and salary sacrificing options.
✔ Transparent performance framework – approach your work with confidence in how you're tracking, working to professional development plans agreed on by you and your manager.
✔ Individual and group supervision, as well as any additional supervision required as part of professional registration requirements.
✔ Generous leave entitlements – including personal, parental, carers, study, cultural, compassionate and sick leave.
✔ Employee assistance program (EAP) – you are encouraged to use this short-term, confidential counselling service if you are experiencing emotional stress, relationship problems, conflict with others or personal issues.
✔ A relocation allowance may be available for eligible candidates.
Preferred experience
We are seeking a candidate with at least 3 years' experience in a disability or criminal justice setting.
Candidates with the following traits will also be highly regarded:
- Experience in supporting individuals with cognitive impairments.
- Proven skills in case coordination, planning support pathways and advocacy.
- An understanding of the risk-need-responsivity model.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.
To find out more about the role, please read the position description or contact our recruitment team at candidatecare@justice.vic.gov.au
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about our Aboriginal workforce strategy.
