Social Worker Grade 2 (Ravenhall Correctional Centre)

• Full time, ongoing
• Based at Ravenhall Correctional Centre
• Great salary packaging conditions and leave entitlements
• Free onsite parking

About us:

Forensicare is the statutory agency responsible for the provision of adult forensic mental health services across Victoria. Completed in 2017, the new medium-security men’s prison is located in Ravenhall Correctional Centre in Melbourne’s west, providing world-class forensic mental health services in Victoria in a purpose-built state of the art facility developed to international best practice standards.

About the role:

The social work position is based in the 10 bed Tambo psychosocial, rehabilitation program based at Ravenhall Correctional Centre. The Tambo unit focusses on preparing and supporting men with their transition from prison into the community and creating community linkages.

The Social Worker is responsible for the ongoing development and planning of social work services to achieve and maintain a high standard of patient care, recognising the needs of both individuals and families; within the boundaries set by professional standards, legislative requirements, organisational policies, practices and directives. The position is required to complete psychosocial assessments and interventions, as well as educate and consult with members of the multidisciplinary team regarding social and systemic issues, advocating for patients’ rights and entitlements. The position utilises social work models to intervene in family systems in order to bring about therapeutic change and applies social work approaches to fostering relationships with relevant agencies and team members.

Duties:

• Demonstrate skills in the appropriate assessment of patient discharge/release needs, and matching these with relevant services for the effective preparation and ongoing support of patients re-entering the community.
• Undertake structured family assessments, examining support structures and need for psychosocial or legal education and referral to specific community-based services.
• Demonstrate highly developed skills when undertaking social work assessments of patients within a multi-disciplinary corrections setting.
• Demonstrate an ability to use good judgement in relation to complex case and system issues.

Skills and experience:

• Sound knowledge of available community services and resources and demonstrated ability to broker and link patients to these services, particularly in the provision of relevant services upon re-entry to the community.
• Ability to undertake comprehensive social work assessments and to plan, implement and evaluate social work interventions for mentally ill people within a complex service environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to advocacy and social justice within the provision of social work services.
• Proven experience in a statutory field and a demonstrated ability to understand and interpret relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act 2014, Sentencing Act 1991, the Crimes Act 1948 and the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997, Guardianship and Administration Act 1986.

Mandatory qualifications & registrations:

• Approved degree in Social Work and eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.
• This position is subject to a Police Check.

Benefits:

We value our staff and provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Great salary packaging conditions.
• Excellent leave entitlements.
• Post-graduate scholarship programs.
• Ongoing training and full orientation.
• Comprehensive Health and Wellbeing Programs including Employee Assistance Programs.

Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and developing a diverse workforce which reflects the community we serve. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTQI, people with a lived experience of disability, as well as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Forensicare promotes the following values: responsiveness, integrity, impartiality, accountability, respect and leadership; and promotes behaviours that are consistent with these values at all times. Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and offers a smoke free environment.