Operations Manager - Western Plains Correctional Centre

About this role

• Contribute to the ongoing strategic planning, implementation, and improvement of prison operations.
• Ongoing, Full-Time Opportunity to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service
• COG Grade 4: $107,737 - $131,457 plus superannuation.

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

About the Business Unit

Western Plains Correctional Centre 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 the evolving needs of Corrections Victoria and the people in our care. Modern amenities include medical wards, a cultural 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 our care.

Western Plains operates with three primary service teams: Workforce and Prison Services, Communities, and Safety and Operational Service which collaboratively deliver comprehensive services for people in our care, safety management, and corporate services. Through its innovative design and service model, Western Plains aims to create a thriving environment conducive to safety and positive behavioural change.

About the Role

Reporting to the Senior Operations Manager, you will collectively drive the development and delivery of services in new ways, using technology and innovation to shape the way the facility functions. You will help drive the recruitment and creation of dynamic teams that you will lead into the facility becoming operational. This role offers a unique opportunity to build a high performing culture and deliver incredible outcomes in reducing reoffending.

The Operations Manager has responsibility for overseeing all aspects of day-to-day management of the prison whilst ensuring that all policies and procedures are followed. The Operations Manager will also be responsible for managing a team of custodial and non-custodial officers delivering a range of correctional services for which the incumbent will require superior leadership skills.

The role also involves the coordination of information and services to the various areas within the prison, and the ability to develop and implement new policies and procedures. The Operations Manager will also be required to identify and address issues concerning the prison, prisoners, and staff.

Some of your duties will include:

• Implement the development and delivery of services in new ways, using technology and innovation to shape the way the facility functions. • Recruit and provide leadership and guidance to a new team, developing and maintaining a culture that supports rehabilitation and reflects the department's values and behaviours.
• Use operational knowledge to provide high level analysis and recommendations on emerging operational issues and trends.
• Develop, review and implement local operating procedures, emergency management plans and memoranda of understanding, including the oversight of monitoring infrastructure and compliance processes.
• Develop, manage and ensure the quality of the delivery of custodial processes including case management review hearings, chairing case management review committees, movement control, operation of security equipment, reception and discharge, escorts, visitors and visits, urinalysis, searching, security procedures, disciplinary issues and hearings and Review and Assessment.

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 commitment to working with staff, prisoners, and other service providers in the delivery of an integrated, whole of prison program approach to reducing re-offending.
• Experience at a senior level, including successfully managing teams, demonstrating leadership in collaborative environments, and working across teams and organisations to achieve outcomes.
• Knowledge of current legislative requirements pertaining to a correctional environment.
• Computer literate with a working knowledge of the full range of Microsoft Windows and MS Office application suite software.
• An understanding of contemporary prisoner management and offender services practices.

Qualifications/requirements

• A relevant qualification in social work, related human services discipline, criminal justice, criminology or with work experience in a related field is highly desirable.
• A full and current Victorian driver's licence or a minimum P2 driver's licence.

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.