ABOUT US:
Hope Network is a Christian not-for-profit that has been providing support to women in Victorian prisons, and their families, for over 75 years. Our vision is for dignity, hope and purpose for the women we serve. HN journeys with women in and beyond prison, providing the support and courage they need to navigate positive pathways and create change.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
You will be part of a supportive and empowering Hope Network Support Worker Team, working alongside other support workers in a full-time capacity.
Your key area of responsibility will be to provide support in the following contexts to women who are or have been in prison:
- Inside prison through referrals, support worker meetings and programs
- Outside prison through our post release programs, in particular:
- One-on-one transitional support
- Support groups and peer group activities
- Transitional Housing Program
- Your work would include the following activities:
- Respond to and follow up referral requests and provide remand support
- Provide advocacy support on behalf of women i.e. contact government agencies, NGOs and/or family or similar
- Attend court in support of women when required
- Provide wrap-around support to women exiting prison, including:
- Assistance in organising accommodation and household goods if needed
- Informal counselling as required
- Crisis support if required
- Referrals to other agencies as required
- Liaising with employment partners as needed
- Connection with HN groups or other support groups as needed
- Provision of material aid as is deemed necessary
- Accompany and/or transport women to appointments
- Routinely collect and record required data of in-prison and post release support work and programs
- Maintain thorough, appropriate, and confidential case notes and submit as per HN requirements
ABOUT YOU:
You have relevant tertiary qualifications desirable, e.g. qualifications in AOD or related Community Services field, or equivalent
- You are aligned with our ethos and values
- You have experience working with prisoners or marginalised people
- You have excellent communication skills
- You have an understanding of Trauma Informed Care
- You have an understanding of Family Violence MARAM Framework
- You have confidence to run small group sessions
- You love people, and work cooperatively and effectively with others
- You have 3 to 5 years’ experience in a related field, preferably within a prison setting (but not essential)
- You can address issues, problems, and risks quickly, creatively, and resourcefully
- You have highly developed interpersonal skills, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality
- You have a non-judgemental attitude and are aware of social justice issues affecting women
- You can work collaboratively in a team and display resilience and confidence to work alone when required
- You are flexible and can manage your own work schedule and self-care requirements
- You can take initiative to identify and suggest improvements to existing processes where needed
It will be highly regarded if you have experience with a faith-driven support agency or Christian organisation.
Please respond to the Key Selection Criteria in your application.
Please contact Jenni Walker on admin@prisonnetwork.org.au, using the subject line: Support Worker / Case Worker enquiry if you have any other queries. |
