Recreation Officer

Department of Justice; Ararat; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Hopkins Correctional Centre is seeking a Recreation Officer to plan and lead activities that build skills, confidence and healthy habits for people in prison. You will support rehabilitation and the transition back into the community while delivering active and passive recreation programs.

The role requires a Certificate III in Fitness or equivalent, and completion of Prison Officer Pre-Service Training or willingness to complete it.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Fitness or equivalent qualification is required.
• Must have completed Prison Officer Pre-Service Training or be willing to complete it.
• Experience planning and running recreation programs is essential.
• Understanding of working in a prison with its rules and safety needs.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; ability to treat people fairly and with respect.
• Ability to solve problems, adapt to change and stay calm in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead active and passive recreation programs, including fitness, sport and leisure activities.
• Assess recreation needs and develop suitable programs for people with different abilities.
• Coach and guide people in a respectful and positive manner.
• Maintain safe and secure recreation spaces, equipment and supplies following prison rules.
• Track program results and keep accurate records to support rehabilitation.

Skills

Recreation program planning

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Certificate III in Fitness

Prison Officer Pre-Service Training

Job description

• Help people build skills, confidence and healthy habits through recreation.
• Plan and lead activities that support rehabilitation and life after prison.
• Put your fitness and coaching skills to work in a meaningful role.
• Join a team that helps people prepare for their return to the community.
• Ongoing, full-time role earning$65,373 - $83,950 per year, plus super.

What you will do

As a recreation officer, you will plan and lead activities for people in prison at Hopkins Correctional Centre. You will help people build skills and support their rehabilitation and return to the community.

You will:

• plan and lead active and passive recreation programs, including fitness, sport and leisure activities
• assess recreation needs and develop suitable programs for people with different abilities and needs
• coach and guide people in a respectful and positive way, responding to requests and concerns
• maintain safe and secure recreation spaces, equipment and supplies, following prison rules and safety procedures
• track program results, keep accurate records and work with prison staff to support rehabilitation.

About you

You have a Certificate III in Fitness or an equivalent qualification. You must have completed Prison Officer Pre-Service Training or be willing to complete it.

You should also have:

• experience planning and running recreation programs, including active and passive activities
• an understanding of working in a prison, including its rules, safety needs and limits
• strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to treat people fairly and with respect
• the ability to solve problems, adapt to change and stay calm when work becomes challenging.

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 harm 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.