Job Title

OverviewLocation: AVWA OfficesReports to: Mental Health & Wellbeing CoordinatorEmployment type: Part-time (0.6 FTE)The Indo-Chinese Prisoner Support Officer plays a vital role in supporting the social and emotional well-being of Indo-Chinese individuals involved in the criminal justice system, with the aim of reducing recidivism and improving long-term outcomes. Delivered by the Australian Vietnamese Women''s Association (AVWA), the role provides culturally appropriate individual support, family liaison, information, and advocacy to prisoners and their families, including maintaining contact with overseas relatives. The position involves facilitating referrals to culturally responsive services and supporting community connection through activities within various Victorian prisons. Working within a holistic and trauma-informed framework, the officer is part of a multidisciplinary team that values lived experience and includes an affirmative training and employment approach. The role also contributes to sector capacity through secondary consultation, training, and collaborative work with other AVWA programs and external services.What we are looking for1. Individual and Family SupportProvide ongoing face-to-face support to prisoners, including informal counselling, emotional and practical support, referrals, material aid, and assistance with family visits and communication.Offer support (mainly via phone or email) to families and friends of Indo-Chinese people in custody, including home visits and emotional support.Provide short-term crisis counselling to Indo-Chinese people in Victoria''s prisons, supporting them through urgent emotional or personal issues.Ensure early identification of prisoner problems and receive feedback to optimise preventive care.Mediates between prisoners and prison management to improve communication and support.2. Pre-Release and Resettlement SupportProvide resettlement and pre-release support to both remand and sentenced prisoners.Undertake a range of resettlement-focused offender management tasks, particularly for low to medium risk cases.In consultation with clients, develop and implement transition plans to build social and emotional wellbeing.Oversee risk and safety screening, and ensure case coordination and intensive case management support for higher risk cases.Identify and make appropriate referrals to internal and external service providers.Liaise with Corrections Victoria staff throughout the pre- and post-release journey.Participate in case reviews and meetings with in-scope service sector organisations.3. Post-Release SupportDeliver a minimum of six individual sessions for post-release clients, offering emotional support and referrals (e.g. Centrelink, housing, legal aid, health, training, job search).Support offenders under Community Corrections Services (CCS) supervision in North-West or South Metro regions.Accept referrals from CCS Case Managers or continue support from pre-release services.4. Community Development and EngagementLiaise with community groups, agencies and individuals to reduce psychosocial stresses and address prisoner and family needs.Organise cultural festivals and events for Indo-Chinese communities across six Victorian prisons, including Lunar New Year and the Full Moon Festival.Support the planning and delivery of culturally safe spaces and initiatives for Indo-Chinese communities.5. Research, Advocacy and Program DevelopmentGather and analyse information on the specific needs and challenges faced by Indo-Chinese prisoners and their families, including barriers to accessing culturally appropriate support during and after incarceration.Consult directly with Indo-Chinese individuals and community members to understand their lived experiences and identify service gaps, unmet needs, and community-driven priorities that shape program design.Design and adapt support services and cultural programs that reflect the values, traditions, and needs of Indo-Chinese communities in correctional settings, with a focus on wellbeing, connection, and rehabilitation.Maintain detailed records of service outcomes and community feedback, and contribute to internal and external reporting requirements, including funding applications that reflect the lived experience of the client group and the measurable impact of ICPS work.6. Administration and Data ManagementMaintain accurate and timely records in client management systems.The above list is not exhaustive, and the role may change to meet the overall objectives of AVWA. Any other relevant duties as reasonably required by the management.Who you areEssential: Tertiary qualifications (minimum Certificate IV) in Mental Health, Psychology, Social Work, Community Services or other health-related field Qualified and eligible for AASW or ACWA or related Demonstrate experience as Welfare Worker/Community Worker Experience of working with a diverse range of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties and the need to use tact and discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive issues. Experience in assessing needs and working collaboratively to plan goal-focused recovery using evidence-informed approaches and tools. Experience in planning and coordinating work. Experience of working with groups or individuals to motivate and change behaviour. An understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and diversity good practice Demonstrated understanding of available community services, networks and supports. Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritise to meet customer service delivery requirements.Desirable:- Bilingual skills (Vietnamese/English) are highly desirable to effectively engage with our core audience.- Experience working within the non-profit or community care sector.What''s in It for YouSCHADS Award with all entitlementsUp to $15,900 salary packaging, plus $2,950 meal and entertainment card benefitsFlexible working arrangements, with partial work from home, allowing work/life balanceExcellent workplace culture with ongoing support, training, and developmentGreat benefit with Employer-funded Paid Parental Leave (Conditions applied)Wellness being with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Wellness Activities SubsidyWellness LeaveFree Flu shotsMake your moveOnline Application FormBecome Our Team Member -Would you like to work with us? So send an application form!First Name * Please enter your first name!Last Name * Please enter your last name!Phone * Please enter your phone!Email * Vui lng in a ch emailWhere did you see this job vacancy? * Friends Facebook Ads AVWA Facbook Page OthersPlease SpecifyAttach your resume * UploadAttach other documents(Please zip all your documents into one file. Max 5MB) UploadCustom NotesHelp us spread the word! Feel free to share this post with your network.Please note : We will be immediately shortlisting applicants and will close the position as soon as we find the right candidate. Apply now. #J-18808-Ljbffr