Is this you?

• Looking to impact the lives of people transitioning from the justice system?
• Seeking to grow and develop your skills in forensic case work?
• Want to work part-time hours that allow for flexibility?

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

• Part time (33 hours per fortnight) permanent positions available. Sunshine location!
• $88,109.84 pro rata base salary + 12% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Learning and development opportunities -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

The role of the Forensic Case Worker (After-hours Response) is to work in collaboration with the ReStart team and Victorian prison locations, to provide an effective and flexible after-hours response to participants being released from prison, as part of the ReStart Program. The Forensic Case Worker (After-hours Response) may also be called upon to provide after hours and/or weekend support to ReStart participants where individualised needs arise.

The Forensic Case Worker (After-hours Response) will be responsible for working an after-hours roster (i.e. 2pm to 8pm) and will engage directly with participants who have late releases or support needs, along with completing administration functions such as case noting and referrals and advocacy for participants released after hours . As part of this role, you will also be required to attend to the ReStart after-hours phone line to support participants with immediate needs, and effectively document the support provided.

About the program

To learn more about this program, check out the program summary under the 'job attachments' tab on our careers portal.

What we're looking for

• Preferably a diploma qualification in a relevant discipline, and/or at least 2 years' equivalent experience
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Competence in using PC-based office applications (i.e. Microsoft Office) and internet
• Experience developing support plans and goal attainment strategies
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution and mediation skills
• Demonstrated ability to advocate on behalf of the ACSO client group
• Ability to build positive relationships and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and capabilities
• Knowledge and competency in casework practices
• Demonstrated capacity to work flexibly, possess the ability to manage competing demands, and able to effectively set boundaries and limits where required

ACSO Information Night

If you're thinking about joining us at ACSO, your timing couldn't be better! We are hosting a virtual organisation-wide information night on Thursday 23 October, from 5:30pm - 7:300pm.

There will be representatives from all our divisions, including Forensic Case Work, there to speak to the work we do, and our current vacancies. This will be a great opportunity to come along and learn more about ACSO and ask any questions you have directly to leaders.

Tickets are free and can be registered via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/acso-informationnight-tickets-1727514736079?aff=oddtdtcreator

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 Tiani Megens - Program Manager, ReStart, on 0427 612 708.

Applications close Monday 20 October 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.