Assessment and Transition Coordinator Mental Health

Department of Justice and Community Safety; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is seeking an assessment and transition coordinator – mental health at the Metropolitan Remand Centre in Melbourne. You will help prisoners with complex needs access care and plan for life after release, working with prison health teams, hospitals and community services to arrange ongoing support.

You will assess risks, lead supportive sessions and ensure accurate case records while collaborating across Victoria to improve services for detainees

Qualifications

• Qualification in a relevant field or experience in human services or welfare will strengthen your application.
• Understanding of mental health needs and the challenges prisoners face when returning to the community.
• Skills in trauma-informed care and evidence-based approaches to support people who find accepting help difficult.
• Culturally respectful communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people from diverse backgrounds.
• Teamwork, problem-solving and computer skills to adapt plans, resolve concerns and manage records.

Responsibilities

• Assess each person's risks and needs to develop clear plans for their release.
• Work with prison health teams, hospitals and community services to arrange ongoing care.
• Connect prisoners with mental health, alcohol and drug support before and after release.
• Lead support sessions and share practical advice with colleagues across Victoria.
• Keep accurate records and use program data to improve services.

Skills

Mental health awareness

Trauma-informed care

Culturally respectful communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Computer skills

Education

Relevant field experience in human services

Job description

At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we’re looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work. People who get things done. People who are committed to making Victoria a safer place. We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you. The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children’s rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon. If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

Want to be part of it?

• Help prisoners with mental health needs prepare for life after release.
• Build your skills with access to extra training and resources.
• Work with health services to keep care on track.
• Make a difference in a full-time role until 30th June 2027.
• Fixed-term, full-time role, earning $81,496 - $98,955 per year, plus super.

About us

The Metropolitan Remand Centre (MRC) is a maximum-security remand facility based in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. Prisoners on remand are alleged offenders who were not bailed when charged with a crime and are awaiting the outcome of their court case. The MRC is a 954-bed maximum security facility for unsentenced male offenders located within the West Metropolitan Region, Department of Justice and Community Safety.

What you will do

As assessment and transition coordinator – mental health, you will help prisoners prepare for life after release. You will work at the Metropolitan Remand Centre to help people with complex mental health needs access care.

You will:

• Assess each person's risks and needs to develop clear plans for their release.
• Work with prison health teams, hospitals and community services to arrange ongoing care.
• Connect prisoners with mental health, alcohol and drug support before and after release.
• Lead support sessions and share practical advice with colleagues across Victoria.
• Keep accurate records and use program data to improve services.

About you

You do not need a mandatory qualification. Your qualification in a relevant field or experience in human services or welfare will strengthen your application.

You should also have:

• An understanding of mental health needs and the challenges prisoners face when returning to the community.
• Skills in care that recognises trauma and approaches backed by evidence to support people who find accepting help difficult.
• Culturally respectful communication skills when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people from diverse backgrounds.
• Teamwork, problem-solving and computer skills to adapt your plans, resolve concerns and manage records.

To learn even more about this role, please read the position description. If you have any further questions, feel free to email John O'Loughlin at John.O' [email protected] . Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about our Aboriginal workforce strategy.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Child safe statement of commitment

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent har m of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.