Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer (multiple vacancies)

Department of Justice and Community Safety VIC – Melbourne VIC

- Provide cultural and practical support for Aboriginal prisoners andprovide support and advice to key stakeholders.
- Ongoing, full-time opportunity to work with high-performing and passionate teams in various locations.

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. A Certificate of Aboriginality will be required prior to an offer of employment being made.

New candidates who are successful in obtaining a position as an Aboriginal wellbeing officer (AWO) will be eligible for abonus of up to $8,000. If you are successfully appointed on or after14 January 2026, you will receive a payment of $4,000 six months after commencing your role. Then, after one year's full-time employment, you will receive an additional payment of $4,000.This incentive is designed to attract AWOs with strong cultural understanding and to encourage retention within this critical role.Be sure to read the terms and conditions, which you can find at the bottom of this job advertisement.

- Provide cultural and practical support for Aboriginal prisoners andprovide support and advice to key stakeholders.
- Ongoing, full-time prospect to work with high-performing and passionate teams in various locations.
- VPS Grade 3: $81,496 - $98,955 plus superannuation.

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.



A Certificate of Aboriginality will be required prior to an offer of employment being made.

NEW SIGN-ON BONUS

New candidates who are successful in obtaining a position as an Aboriginal wellbeing officer (AWO) will be eligible for abonus of up to $8,000. If you are successfully appointed on or after14 January 2026, you will receive a payment of $4,000 six months after commencing your role. Then, after one year's full-time employment, you will receive an additional payment of $4,000.This incentive is designed to attract AWOs with strong cultural understanding and to encourage retention within this critical role.Be sure to read the terms and conditions, which you can find at the bottom of this job advertisement.

About the role

The AWO role was established under the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement, as a response to the findings of the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. AWO's are part of Corrections Victoria's commitment to reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system and ensuring that Aboriginal Victorians achieve the same justice outcomes as the broader Victorian community.

Some of your duties will include:





- Provide cultural and practical support for Aboriginal prisoners by identifying their strengths, aspirations and obtainable goals for returning to a non-offending lifestyle in their community.
- Interview and complete a wellbeing checklist with Aboriginal prisoners as soon as practicable following reception, aiming to provide information regarding Indigenous-specific programs and services that are available.
- Provide cultural and wellbeing support to Aboriginal prisoners that helps their individual pre and post release needs to be met, advocating on their behalf where appropriate.
- Assist Aboriginal prisoners to access programs and entitlements, to assist with reintegration into the community.
- Regional travel to locations maybe required due to business demands and annual leave release.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal community, both society and culture, and the issues impacting it.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with members of the Victorian Aboriginal community.
- To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

You will be required to attend an Assessment Centre as part of the recruitment process. Please note that this will involve travelling to various prison facilities across Victoria. If you are successful, the location of your Assessment Centre will not necessarily determine your final placement.

Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal

📌 Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer — Make a Real Impact (Melbourne)
🏢 Department Of Justice And Community Safety Vic
📍 Melbourne