Offender Services Officer

About this role

• Coordinate and support the delivery of specialist programs and services for people in custody.
• Ongoing, Full-Time opportunity.
• VPS Grade 3: $79,122 - $96,073 plus superannuation.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is seeking an Offender Services Officer to provide a critical role at Western Plains Correctional Centre.

About the Business Unit

Western Plains Correctional is a modern, maximum-security prison focussed on rehabilitation, housing up to 1248 people in custody. Western Plains features multi-purpose infrastructure which is adaptable to evolving needs of Corrections Victoria and the people in our care. Modern amenities include medical wards, a culture centre, and vocational training facilities.

Western Plains provides a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to individualised care which motivates, encourages and promotes reintegration into the community. Western Plains has advanced technology which improves security, streamlines operations and enhances connections for the people in custody.

About the Role

Reporting to the Offender Services Manager, the Offender Services Officer plays a key role in coordinating transition, reintegration, and specialist programs and services for people in custody. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the role supports pre-release and discharge planning, facilitates access to relevant information, and assists in organising cultural and religious events, video visits, and other offender services activities—ensuring timely scheduling and effective communication with internal staff and contracted service providers. The position also provides essential business and operational support to the broader Offender Services team, contributing to the smooth and efficient delivery of all functions.

The role is responsible for maintaining office systems and databases, contributing to local projects and performance reporting, and supporting contracted service providers onsite by coordinating inductions, access requirements, and scheduling. All responsibilities are carried out in line with relevant legislation, policies, and departmental procedures to ensure consistent and effective service delivery.

Some of your duties will include:

• Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team to support the development and coordination of transition, reintegration, and specialist programs and services, including cultural and religious events.
• Support effective pre-release and discharge planning by assisting with identification applications, providing access to release and community information, and facilitating connections to community supports.
• Contribute to Offender Services projects by providing operational insight, administrative support, and assisting with the implementation of project activities to enhance service delivery.

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:

• Experience in coordinating programs, services, or activities within a custodial, community, or human services environment, including stakeholder engagement and logistical support.
• Proficiency in administrative systems and data management, with the ability to use departmental platforms.
• Knowledge of reintegration and support pathways, including familiarity with community services and culturally responsive program deliver

Qualifications/requirements

• Relevant training, certification, qualification, or experience is desirable.

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 a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) 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.

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.