Cultural Advisor

Are you experienced and passionate about collaborating with individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and do you have a desire to make a meaningful contribution to your community?

Embrace this dynamic role that offers the opportunity to assist prisoners from diverse backgrounds in celebrating their beliefs, faith, and culture within a transformative organization.

Full-Time salary $73,000 - $78,000 plus superannuation.

About The GEO Group Australia

Ravenhall Correctional Centre is part of The GEO Group Australia, based west of Melbourne and is Victoria's largest prison for adult sentenced and unsentenced males. It's contemporary campus-style design provides a safe and humane environment that enables and nurtures GEO's Continuum of Care operating philosophy. 

Ravenhall also has a dedicated Forensic Mental Health Unit, a specialised Closed Supervision Unit for prisoners with significant challenging behaviours, and a small Mission Based Unit for prisoners who have never been in custody before. In recognition of the importance of Continuum of Care, Ravenhall extends its presence into the community by providing ex-prisoners with access to post-release support at GEO’s Community Reintegration Centre.

About Ravenhall Correctional Centre

Ravenhall is Victoria’s largest, medium security prison for adult sentenced and unsentenced males. Its contemporary campus-style design provides a safe and humane environment that enables and nurtures GEOs Continuum of Care operating philosophy.

Ravenhall also has a dedicated Forensic Mental Health Unit, a specialised Closed Supervision Unit for prisoners with significant challenging behaviours, and a small Mission Based Unit for prisoners who have never been in custody before.  In recognition of the importance of Continuum of Care, Ravenhall extends its presence into the community by providing ex-prisoners with access to post-release support at GEO’s Community Reintegration Centre.

With key focus on young adult offenders, Aboriginal and those with complex and mental health needs, prisoners at Ravenhall have significant opportunities to engage in work, education, programs and services, through an evidence based approach to reduce re-offending.

Ravenhall’s unprecedented emphasis on offender rehabilitation and reintegration is evidenced through collaborative and integrated relationships with key Alliance service partners including Forensicare, Correct Care Australia, YMCA, Honeywell and Bendigo Kangan Institute of Tafe.

About the Opportunity

The Cultural Advisor reports to (and supports) the Faith and Culture Coordinator in the planning and coordination of appropriate cultural and other program activities for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) prisoners. They ensure prisoners can express their identity and beliefs in culturally sensitive ways that are consistent with the safe management and security of the Prison. They also work with CALD prisoners to strengthen their cultural identity while in custody and thereby assist with community reconnection and reintegration. The Cultural Advisor also provides advice and guidance to custodial and programs staff in relation to the cultural needs and expectations of prisoners from various cultural backgrounds.

Your day to day responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Collaborating closely with case managers to identify the specific cultural requirements of prisoners from diverse cultural and non-English speaking backgrounds, both before and after their release.
• Actively participating in multidisciplinary case reviews for prisoners hailing from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, contributing to heightened cultural awareness within the team.
• Assisting the Faith and Culture Coordinator in the strategic planning of culturally appropriate educational activities, celebrations, and events.
• Strengthening cultural responsiveness through the development of specialized programs, the implementation of protocols and innovative practices, staff training, and active community engagement.
• Offering consultation, guidance, and training to both prisoners and staff regarding issues related to cultural sensitivity and responsiveness.
• Promoting diversity by leading prisoners on a journey of learning, encouraging them to understand, respect, and ultimately embrace the rich tapestry of cultures and languages in Victoria.

Key Selection Criteria 

• Demonstrated in depth knowledge of multicultural issues and backgrounds.
• Proven capacity to plan and coordinate programs, activities and cultural celebrations for groups of people, ideally within an institutional setting.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate positive cultural experiences and interactions with prisoners by being mature, flexible and empathetic to the needs of prisoners from culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to act as a positive role model for prisoners who originate from culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team that involves direct contact with prisoners in a correctional environment.
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication, assertiveness and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other program areas and disciplines.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work within a correctional setting, which will involve direct contact with prisoners.
  
• Valid and current full Australian driver’s licence.
  
• Satisfactory completion of a National Criminal History Check.
  
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  
• Work outside of ordinary business hours may be required on occasion.

About the Benefits

We offer job security and a safe and healthy working environment. A career in Corrections can be one for life if you want. It offers an endless and multifaceted opportunity for growth, promotion, and further development based on your skill, interests and motivations.  

Apart from amazing training opportunities and highly competitive remuneration, you will also have access to a host of other benefits including:

• GEO's Rewards scheme
• Ongoing paid training
• Opportunity for GEO sponsored study
• Career progression
• Work/ life balance
• On-site cafeteria and subsidised meals whilst on duty
• Free and confidential Employee Assistance Program
• Paid parental leave
• Free access to on-site staff gym
• Uniform and footwear provided
• Free secure car parking
• Many other employee (and family) benefits 

How to Apply

To initiate the application process, click on the "Apply" button and proceed through the application questionnaire located beneath the job advertisement.

The application process has several stages, and should your application advance, you will be expected to engage in the following steps:

• In-Person (preferred) or Virtual Interview Attendance.

• Reference checks will be conducted following the interview.

• Pre-Employment Medical and Fitness Assessment, which will be covered by our organization. This assessment is crucial to determine your capability to meet the essential requirements of both the training program and the role itself. The evaluation will likely encompass various aspects, including assessed lifting capacity, aerobic fitness, lung function, grip strength, upper body strength, lower body strength, and core strength.

Important: Please note that Pre-Employment clearance can take up to approximately 6-8 weeks. 

Please note: Only permanent Australian residents, Australian citizens or candidates with unrestricted visas and the right to work in Australia are eligible to apply for these positions. 

Don't meet every requirement? At Ravenhall Correctional Centre, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities. 

To be considered for this role, applicants must submit a cover letter and a current resume.

For any enquiries, or to discuss the position in more detail please contact Recruitment  at ravenhallcareers@geogroup.com.au   

This is a rare opportunity to join an organisation that is growing and dedicated to improving our communities.

Don't wait - Apply Now!

 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are highly encouraged to apply

Applications close at 11:59pm, Sunday 08 December 2024

We are always looking for people to join our company who share the values that we stand for:  

INTEGRITY          RESPECT         ACCOUNTABLE       AGILE         INNOVATIVE