Is this you?

• Do you want to gain experience within the community services sector?
• Work for a leading provider of Specialised Forensic Disability Accommodation?
• Want to make a positive impact on the lives of people with an intellectual disability?

At ACSO, we look for people who believe in second chances, who share our values and are passionate about supporting forensic clients to re integrate back into the community. If this sounds like you, read on!

What ACSO can offer you

• Permanent, full time position available in Preston!
• $75,874.20 + 12% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options (more after tax $ in your pocket!)
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Learning and development opportunities - including in house training suite of client specific training including in Trauma Informed Practice, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), plus best practice training on all aspects of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
• Career progression opportunities - leadership development programs and coaching, opportunities for internal consultancy or secondments to other programs
• Wellbeing initiatives - such as free flu vaccines, wellbeing and professional development vouchers, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program. Our employees matter!
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies or gender affirmation

About Us

The Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) is a vibrant, values driven NFP, focused on partnering with Government and the community to co-design services that create real social change. We are an organisation with a bold vision to create a safe and inclusive community where prison truly is the last resort. Our purpose is to strengthen the wellbeing of our communities by advocating for and delivering services which divert people away from the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias. ACSO is committed to the equitable treatment of its participants, employees and partners. We believe in humanity and celebrating the diverse voices of our community through leadership, practice and policy design, to honour and embrace diverse traditions, cultures and experiences of those we support and work alongside.

About the role

Our forensic residential programs aim to deliver lifestyle and skills support for clients and support clinical intervention and treatment programs. The support provided involves helping adults who have a disability and an offending background to develop life skills, implementing treatment strategies and facilitating meaningful engagement in activities and opportunities to improve quality of life, reduce the risk of reoffending, and increase opportunities for community reintegration.

The Forensic Residential Worker is a varied role that will require you to adapt to the individual requirements of each resident's needs. In this role you will also be required to maintain case notes and associated administration, establish relationships and build community service networks to support role delivery. The forensic residential facilities require continuous shift work 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, on rostered shifts. These shifts can involve a combination of morning, afternoon and night shifts, including weekends and public holidays. Due to the nature of shift work, the ability to convey important information to co-workers at the end of each shift, and to work as part of a team is critical.

What we're looking for

• Preferably a diploma qualification in a relevant discipline, and/or at least 1 years' equivalent experience
• Current First-Aid and CPR Certificate (Provide First Aid, Level 2 or above).
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with assertiveness and confidence working with people who demonstrate challenging behaviours
• Experience in residential care settings
• Ability to build positive relationships and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities
• Demonstrated capacity to work flexibly, possess the ability to manage competing demands, and able to effectively set boundaries and limits where required
• An extensive background working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people will be highly regarded
• Due to our Forensic Residential Services delivery model, it is expected that the successful applicant(s) will have flexibility Monday to Sunday from the hours of 7.00am to 11.00pm, with the expectation they can complete the sleepover competent to the afternoon shifts.

Desirable but not essential

• Candidates with experience or basic to proficient skills in Auslan.

How to apply

If you think you'd be a great fit - we'd love to hear from you!

To apply and view the position description (PD), please visit our careers website and provide a copy of your resume, a brief covering letter and a document outlining responses to the selection criteria found in the PD.

As ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance before they commence employment in this position.

To learn more about this position, please contact Aydan Collins, Team Leader - Residential Services on 0437 301 473.

Applications close Monday 21 July 2025

Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found sooner, so we recommend applying early!

ACSO proudly acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia's first peoples and pay respect to their rich culture, lores, customs and elders past and present. We strongly embrace the spirit of reconciliation and continue working towards ensuring an equal voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly those who have been touched by the justice system.

ACSO recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias and aims to provide a safe working environment, one which seeks to protect those affected by domestic and family violence and holds those who may use domestic and family violence to account, whilst supporting positive behaviour change.

ACSO embraces diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from appropriately qualified and skilled people regardless of their background. All suitable applicants for this role will be considered regardless of age, ability, race, gender expression, sex, cultural background, spiritual beliefs or lived experience.