Please note: This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Identified Position
In accordance with relevant legislation, only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply for this role.
If you are committed to walking alongside mob, strengthening culture, and creating pathways for healing and success, we encourage you to apply. Together, we can support stronger individuals, stronger families and stronger communities.
Ravenhall Correctional Centre is part of The GEO Group Australia and is Victoria’s largest medium-security correctional facility for adult men.
Our work is grounded in rehabilitation, reintegration, and creating safer communities through culturally responsive and person-centred support. Ravenhall works collaboratively with community organisations, cultural services, healthcare providers, and reintegration partners to support people both during custody and after release.
We recognise the importance of strong cultural identity, community connection, and holistic support pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
For more information about our organisation visit our website www.geogroup.com.au
Are you passionate about supporting Aboriginal people, strengthening cultural identity, and helping our community achieve better outcomes? We are looking for a dedicated Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer to join our team and play a vital role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men while in custody and as they prepare to reconnect with family, community and Country.
This identified position provides an opportunity to walk alongside Aboriginal people on their journey of healing, growth and reintegration, while ensuring culture remains at the heart of support and service delivery.
As the Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer (AWO), you will provide culturally safe support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners from reception through to release. You will help strengthen connections to culture, family and community, support people through difficult times, and advocate for services that meet the needs of Aboriginal people.
The AWO provides individual support to Aboriginal prisoners during times of crisis, delivers education around cultural heritage and identity, and assists prisoners with family reconnection and successful reintegration back into the community. You will meet with all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when they arrive at the centre, support their induction and transition, and work closely with internal staff, Elders, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and community services to ensure culturally responsive support is available throughout their time in custody and beyond.
This role is about walking alongside our people, promoting healing, strengthening cultural identity, and supporting positive pathways back to family, community and Country.
- Meet with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when they first arrive at the centre and support their induction and transition.
- Provide culturally appropriate wellbeing support, particularly during times of crisis.
- Support men to strengthen their connection to culture, identity, family and community.
- Assist with family reconnection and planning for successful reintegration into community.
- Contribute to case management plans and advocate for culturally responsive supports and services.
- Work alongside Aboriginal organisations and community services to connect people with programs before and after release.
- Support and coordinate cultural activities, events, celebrations and programs.
- Provide cultural advice, guidance and education to staff and service providers.
- Encourage personal growth, motivation and positive change.
- Build strong partnerships with prisons, community organisations and Aboriginal service providers.
- Maintain records, collect data and contribute to reporting requirements.
For a full list of Key Accountabilities, please refer to the Position Description.
You are someone who is passionate about supporting our people and understands the importance of culture, connection and community in achieving wellbeing outcomes.
Essential Requirements
- Must identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Demonstrated commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal people.
- Deep understanding of Aboriginal culture, Country, community and the impacts of the justice system on Aboriginal people, families and communities.
- Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal people from diverse backgrounds.
- Empathetic, resilient and able to support people through challenging circumstances.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, advocacy and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Confidence using computer systems and relevant IT applications.
Desirable:
- Qualifications or experience in Social Work, Welfare, Community Services, Youth Work, Aboriginal Health or a related field.
- Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in health, justice, community services or wellbeing settings.
- Be part of meaningful work that supports healing and positive change.
- Strengthen cultural connections and outcomes for Aboriginal people.
- Work alongside a passionate team committed to self-determination and culturally safe practice.
- Build strong partnerships with Aboriginal community organisations and service providers.
- Make a lasting impact on individuals, families and communities.
Joining GEO is your chance to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of prisoners, their families and the community. Benefits of working for GEO, include but are not limited to:
- Role diversity and internal career progression opportunities
- Ongoing funding for professional development opportunities (including further education sponsorship)
- Support with Professional Registration costs
- Flexible working arrangements
- Competitive salary and rewards scheme
- Free parking
- Employee Assistance Program
- Staff gym
- Subsidised meals
- Fitness Passport to promote wellbeing. Discounted gym and pool access for members and their families to over 1500 fitness facilities across Australia.
- REACH Program
- Discounted Private Health Insurance (Medibank Private)
- VCEA (Victorian Correctional Employees Association)
To initiate the application process, click on the "Apply" button and proceed through the application questionnaire located beneath the job advertisement.
The application process has several stages, and should your application advance, you will be expected to engage in the following steps:
- In-Person (preferred) or Virtual Interview Attendance.
- Reference checks will be conducted following the interview.
- National Police Certificate Authority Clearance
- Pre-Employment Medical and Fitness Assessment, which will be covered by our organisation. The evaluation will likely include various aspects, including assessed lifting capacity, aerobic fitness, lung function, grip strength, upper body strength, lower body strength, and core strength.
Important: Please note that Pre-Employment clearance can take approximately 6-8 weeks.
To be considered for this role, applicants must submit a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and a current resume.
For any enquiries, or to discuss these positions in more detail please contact [email protected]
Applications close at 11:59pm Friday 7 August 2026.
We are always looking for people to join or company who share the values that we stand for:
INTEGRITY RESPECT ACCOUNTABLE AGILE INNOVATIVE
