Case Manager - Second Chance Jobs Program

Position Snapshot

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

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

• Part time (0.8 FTE) on a 12-month fixed term basis, working four agreed days per week, selected from Monday to Friday

• Occasionally based at Vacro head office- Level 1, 116 Hardware Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, with outreach across metropolitan Melbourne.

• Access to a fleet vehicle.

About the role

Do you believe everyone deserves the opportunity for a fresh start?

Vacro is looking for a Case Manager to join our Second Chance Jobs (SCJ) program and support people who have experienced the criminal justice system and/or migration detention to secure and sustain meaningful employment.

Second Chance Jobs connects people who have experienced a period of custody with employers who believe in second chances. Through tailored case management, job readiness coaching and ongoing post-placement support, the program helps participants build their skills, confidence and employment prospects.

As a Case Manager, you will provide strengths-based, person-centred support to participants as they prepare for, secure and settle into employment. You will work alongside participants to understand their goals and circumstances, develop employment-focused case plans, build their job readiness and connect them with opportunities that can support long-term employment and community engagement.

You will also work closely with the Department of Home Affairs' Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS), employers and other support services to provide coordinated support around each participant.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you will:

• Undertake assessments and develop employment-focused case plans with participants.
• Deliver and assess job readiness modules in both individual and group settings.
• Provide career counselling, job matching and support with job interviews.
• Work alongside participants to develop and implement Employment Engagement Plans that support them to commence and retain employment.
• Provide ongoing, in-person case management and post-placement support, including workplace visits where required.
• Work collaboratively with SRSS staff and other services to coordinate support around participants.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with employer partners and provide practical guidance to help employers successfully support SCJ participants.
• Connect participants with other services and supports according to their individual needs.
• Maintain accurate case notes, participant records and program data.
• Contribute to program reporting, promotion and continuous improvement.

About you

You will be a compassionate, practical and motivated practitioner who can build trust with people experiencing complex circumstances and barriers to employment.

You will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Welfare, Human Services or a related discipline.
• Experience in person-centred case management with people experiencing disadvantage.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to develop and manage case plans collaboratively with participants.
• Experience using motivational interviewing and conducting participant needs assessments.
• Strong organisational, administration and record-keeping skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team.
• A flexible, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.
• A genuine commitment to working alongside people impacted by the criminal justice system.
• Experience supporting people into and sustaining employment, or working with employers to support employees experiencing disadvantage, will be highly regarded.
• Must have a current Victorian Driver Licence
• Current Working With Children Check

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.

Vacro Values

• 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.

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.

Some roles at Vacro require applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

next steps

If you're passionate about employment as a pathway to opportunity, independence and a new beginning, we'd love to hear from you.

For any enquiries regarding the role, kindly email us at recruitment@vacro.org.au using the subject line: Case Manager - Second Chance Jobs Program enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To submit your application, please click ‘Apply Now’ by 8am on the closing date.

In your application, please include your resume (and/or CV), and a cover letter that addresses the key capabilities area in the position description. 

Please ensure that you save your resume and cover letter with your name. For example, Jane Smith Cover letter.

Please note, if you choose to utilise generative AI in your application (e.g. ChatGPT), then please ensure you take steps to personalise your responses.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or cultural adjustments during the recruitment process, please email Vacro at people&culture@vacro.org.au as part of your application. 

A position description is attached.