Family Support Worker - Loddon Prison Precinct

Are you passionate about supporting families to build safe, healthy and meaningful relationships?

Do you enjoy creating a welcoming environment where families feel supported, respected and valued?

Can you confidently support and coach parents to strengthen parenting skills and family relationships?

Are you skilled at building rapport with families and responding calmly and respectfully to challenging situations?

Can you apply trauma-informed and family-sensitive approaches to your work with families?

Would you find it rewarding to know that your support has helped families experience positive connection and meaningful time together?

If you said ‘yes’ to any of the above, please read further as we have a role for you!

Position Snapshot

Salary range - $105,577 - $110,359 (pro rata) Level 5 SCHADS Award 2010 + Superannuation (pay point dependent on qualifications and experience)

Part time 1 day (0.2 FTE) ongoing role with weekday availability

The position is a prison-based at Loddon Prison Precinct

The position includes the incumbent travel to Melbourne and other parts of regional Victoria for organisational and team meetings.

Generous not-for-profit salary packaging with employee advantages such as annual leave loading of 17.5% is available

A separate 0.2 FTE position is also available at Hopkins Correctional Centre, providing an opportunity to combine both positions into 0.4 FTE for a suitable candidate willing to travel between locations at their own cost.

Position overview

The Family Visits Program aims to promote family connectedness, build and strengthen people in prison’s engagement skills, and cultivate positive pro-social relationships through family support sessions via zoom. Bring your well-developed interpersonal skills and passion to support families impacted by the justice system.

This position offers flexible working arrangements including prison-based work at Loddon Prison Precinct (Middleton) and occasional administration work from home. Evening work may be required with consideration of family’s needs.

About Vacro

Vacro is an independent non-profit organisation working with people caught in the criminal justice system and their families. Founded in 1872,



we are Victoria’s oldest and only specialised criminal justice reintegration service. We provide reintegration, family, and employment support that enables people to create new beginnings for themselves and their families.

We value the expertise of people from a wide range of backgrounds. Because of the work we do, we especially value the expertise of First Nations people, people with lived experience of the criminal justice system, and people of diverse cultural backgrounds and identities. We also welcome applications from people with a criminal record. (We do not discriminate based on a person’s criminal record, however in some circumstances, contractual or legislative obligations may limit a person’s eligibility for certain roles. We are happy to have a confidential discussion about how these requirements may affect a candidate).

Many members of our workforce bring invaluable lived experience that enriches our teams with authenticity and diverse insights. These individuals not only possess professional skills, but also a profound understanding of the challenges and complexities that arise from their personal journeys. Their unique perspectives cultivate empathy and spark innovation, enabling us to develop solutions that are not only practical but also meaningful. At Vacro, you’ll be part of a culture that champions inclusivity and values every voice, empowering you to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

Dignity & Humanity : We stand alongside our participants and each other, always recognising and respecting their value, dignity and humanity.

Empowerment: We empower people to continually grow, lead, and expand their possibilities.

Aspiration: We support people to seize opportunities, for futures imagined, reclaimed, or redefined.

Meaningful change: We challenge injustice and advocate for both systemic and personal change,



approaching this work with courage and respect.

About You

This role will suit a candidate with the following skills and experience:

Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services or other relevant fields is highly desirable or significant family services work experience.

Experience working with complex clients particularly those who have been in contact with the criminal justice system and their families.

Has experience supporting children affected by trauma, employing a compassionate and understanding approach

Demonstrated ability working with vulnerable families with a focus on family strengthening and reunification.

Knowledge of Family Violence and Child Information Sharing Scheme.

Strong understanding of working within a compliance framework

Demonstrated ability to work within complex stakeholder environments.

An understanding of risk management and the capacity to assess for risk and respond appropriately.

Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.

Good practice frameworks and strong relational and interpersonal skills

Excellent case planning and management skills.

Well-developed interpersonal skills and time management skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Sound level of MS Office, Client Management Systems and computer skill proficiency.

Current Driver’s License.

Current WWCC or willingness to obtain WWCC prior to commencement of employment.

What we offer

Vacro is dedicated to staff wellbeing. We provide extensive on-boarding training and ongoing professional development for staff, amongst other benefits.

Vacro is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.

Vacro is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm.Some roles at Vacro require applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

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📌 Family Support Worker - Loddon Prison Precinct (Castlemaine)
🏢 VACRO
📍 Castlemaine