About the organisation

Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential. We reflect on the critical factors shaping our contemporary world; the social, political and economic contexts, and we adapt our practice to work with those most in need.

Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.

We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.

About the role

• Convene and co-convene restorative practice processes between individuals and groups and across a range of settings, some of which will have a high level of complexity and sensitivity.
• Conduct preparation and follow-up to ensure that participants engage with restorative processes in meaningful and constructive ways and that relevant program requirements are fulfilled. This includes ensuring participants are connected to family, community and culture and linked to relevant supports and services. It also includes keeping quality case notes and writing reports for courts, statutory bodies and management.
• Apply the principles of restorative practice and promote a shared approach to problem solving by empowering participants to engage in effective communication, negotiation and decision making. Competitive remuneration, plus salary packaging benefit, is offered together with ongoing professional and career development as well as opportunities for personal growth.

About the program

Our justice programs provide support for people who are involved in the criminal justice system or who are exiting prisons and youth justice precincts. Our program participants are assessed as high risk/ high needs and have limited social and family networks, accommodation and post release support options. They often have multiple and complex health concerns. We aim to deliver high quality programs that embody the principles of social justice.

Community Justice Portfolio

Youth Justice Group Conferencing (YJGC)

YJGC is a statewide program legislated under the Child Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic). YJGC accepts referrals through the Children’s Court. It aims to provide an effective community rehabilitation intervention at the pre-sentence stage of the court process.

Youth Justice Group Conferencing is a program based on restorative justice principles. It is a problem solving approach to offending that aims to balance the needs of young people, victims and the community by encouraging dialogue between individuals and groups who have offended and those who have been harmed, both directly and indirectly.

Children’s Court Youth Diversion (CCYD)

The Children’s Court Youth Diversion Service (CCYD Service) is a pre-plea option that aims to assist young people appearing before the criminal division of the Children’s Court to move forward and complete a diversion plan. We offer a community conference to support this aim. The conference is designed to work closely with the CCYD Service and is tailored to the unique needs of the young person.

Community Conferencing

Community Conferencing is a non-legislated approach using restorative practice that seeks to repair relationships that have been damaged between individuals, families, groups and communities in a range of settings. It takes into consideration the needs of those responsible for harm caused and the person, family or community affected by the harm. This approach aims to transform conflict into cooperation, harness that cooperation for problem-solving, prevent further harm, promote well-being and develop a pragmatic plan to coordinate community-based resources to provide support and oversight. Community Conferencing operates across a range of contexts including but not limited to - adult justice, pre-release conferencing, Out of Home Care (OoHC) settings and in schools.

About you

This role will suit a candidate with the following skills and experience:

Key Selection Criteria

1. Case management and/ or therapeutic practice experience in one or more of these areas: justice, schools, residential care, community & mental health.
2. Knowledge of restorative practice, and sound understanding of how it is applied.
3. Demonstrated understanding of strengths based, trauma informed and therapeutic practice.
4. Experience working with individuals and groups – identifying the underlying issues, working with conflict, negotiating outcomes, assessing and responding to risk
5. Excellent communication skills including;
   • ability to adjust your own communication approach based on need and situation,
   • understanding of the barriers to effective communication and how to overcome them,
   • ability to listen actively and convey information clearly.
6. Understanding of the issues that may affect vulnerable or marginalised individuals, families and communities, including young people who come into contact with the criminal justice system.
7. Ability to work with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and understanding of the role that culture plays as a protective factor.
8. Ability to fulfill reporting and administrative requirements attached to the position
9. Excellent time management skills – specifically the ability to handle a variety of tasks with competing priorities, and within specific timelines.

How to Apply

• Upload your resume and cover letter incorporating your responses to the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description.
• For further information please contact Alexandra Ryan, Coordinator, Community Justice Programs on 0439 260 812.

A position description is attached.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the closing date may be subject to change without notice.

Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.

We strongly encourage applications from all community members including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with a disability, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and working parents.

Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.