Recreation Officer

Department of Justice and Community Safety; Victoria; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Justice and Community Safety in Victoria seeks a Recreation Officer for Hopkins Correctional Centre to plan and lead recreation programs that aid rehabilitation and community reintegration.

You will assess needs, coach participants, maintain safe spaces, track outcomes, and collaborate with prison staff to support inmates' progress. Candidates should have a Certificate III in Fitness and be prepared to undertake Prison Officer Pre-Service Training.

Qualifications

• Experience planning and running recreation programs.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to solve problems and stay calm in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead recreation programs for prisoners (fitness, sport, leisure).
• Assess recreation needs and develop suitable activities for diverse abilities.
• Coach and guide participants in a respectful manner.
• Maintain safe, secure recreation spaces, equipment and supplies; follow prison safety rules.
• Track program results and coordinate with prison staff to support rehabilitation.

Skills

Recreation program planning

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Certificate III in Fitness

Prison Officer Pre-Service Training

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. For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers We’re proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?

• 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.

To learn even more about this role, please read the position description. If you have any further questions, feel free to email Stephen Schaper at [emailprotected] .

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 is impacted by our work.