Caseworker

About the role

Prisoners Aid (ACT) supports people affected by the criminal justice system presenting an opportunity to rebuild their life with dignity and support . As a Casual Caseworker, you will independently guide clients through crisis and change—assessing needs, coordinating practical assistance, advocating for access to services and developing support plans that create genuine pathways forward.  

The successful applicant will work under general direction from the Executive Director, applying PAACT’s policies, practice frameworks and delegations with some independence. You will carry responsibility for cases and matters and decide when escalation is genuinely warranted.

In this role you will be responsible for casework decisions and day-to-day practice and contributions to advocacy and service improvement.

What you'll actually do:

Case management and support planning: Complete client intake and needs assessments, manage an allocated caseload, and develop  and review practical support plans with clients under general direction.

Advocacy, referrals and practical assistance: Provide information and appropriate referrals; coordinate approved transport, food vouchers, clothing and communication resources; and authorise expenditure within documented procedures and delegated financial limits.

Crisis response and risk assessment: Respond calmly to distress or crisis, assess risk using PAACT procedures, implement immediate safety measures within role scope, and promptly escalate elevated, complex, unusual risks to the Executive Director or emergency services. 

Continuity of care: Maintain client contact and coordinate support across custody and community, including during release transitions. Work with clients and relevant services to implement agreed actions and address barriers. 

Documentation and compliance: Maintain accurate, timely and confidential client records in Microsoft Dynamics 365, including case notes, consent, referrals, approved assistance and follow-up actions, in line with PAACT procedures and relevant privacy, duty-of-care, WHS and legal requirements.

Stakeholder engagement: Liaise with government and community services, participate in case coordination, share information with client consent, and represent PAACT professionally, respectfully and in a culturally safe manner. Refer strategic partnerships and organisational commitments to the Executive Director. 

Team and volunteer support: Provide day-to-day guidance and task assistance to designated junior staff or volunteers, and contribute ideas to improve case management, service delivery and client outcomes. Formal supervision, performance management and organisational decisions remain with the Executive Director. 

Ability to coordinate program delivery: In consultation with the Executive Director.

Level of responsibility

The Casual Caseworker works under the general direction of the Executive Director and exercises initiative and judgment within established PAACT policies, procedures, documented methods and delegated authority. The employee is responsible for organising and completing their allocated work, while seeking assistance or escalating matters when a situation is complex or beyond their delegated authority.

What we're looking for

Essential:

1. A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. a degree in social work, psychology, criminology, human services or a related field), or a Diploma-level qualification with substantial relevant experience.
2. Experience in case management or complex support with vulnerable people, ideally people affected by the justice system, or in AOD, mental health, homelessness, family or community services.
3. A trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred approach in every client interaction
4. Sound, independent judgement; you manage complexity and risk within your delegation, know when a matter genuinely warrants escalation and act decisively.
5. Strong documentation, administrative and computer skills; accurate, timely, maintaining confidential records, and confident use of a CRM (Dynamics experience a plus).
6. Strong computer skills and administration skills.
7. A strong knowledge of the Justice System and the challenges that exist in it will be an advantage.
8. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; you work well alongside colleagues, and can guide and mentor volunteers and less-experienced staff.
9. A current Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration (or ability to obtain).
10. A current Working with Children Check (WWCC) (or ability to obtain).
11. A current driver's licence.
12. A Willingness to undertake a National Police Check and meet the requirements for access to the Alexander Maconochie Centre. A criminal history or lived experience of the justice system will not automatically exclude you from consideration. Any relevant history will be considered fairly and individually, having regard to the responsibilities of the role and applicable AMC access requirements. We warmly encourage people with lived experience of the justice system to apply.
13. Australian working rights.

Highly regarded

Experience with justice-involved clients or post-release reintegration.

Familiarity with the ACT community service system.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants, and people with lived experience of the justice system, are strongly encouraged to apply.

The kind of person who thrives here

You’re experienced, self-directed and calm under pressure. You carry a caseload with confidence, make sound decisions on your own judgement, and lift the people around you. You know when to act, and when a matter genuinely needs escalating.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Casual employment under the SCHADS award Level 3 to 4.
• Access to not-for-profit salary packaging: package part of your salary tax-free (up to the ATO not-for-profit caps) to increase your take-home pay.
• Genuine professional autonomy to manage your own caseload, with practice supervision and support from the Executive Director.
• Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Professional development supports up to $1,000 per annum.
• Meaningful work with real impact on people's lives.

next steps

To submit your application, please click ‘Apply Now’ by 5:00pm (AEST) on the closing date.

Enquiries Phone: 0488208839

Prisoners Aid ACT is a non-discriminatory, equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.