Senior Practitioner - Reset Program

About the organisation Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential. We reflect on the critical factors shaping our contemporary world; the social, political and economic contexts, and we adapt our practice to work with those most in need.

Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.

We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.

About the program

Justice Programs

Jesuit Social Services’ Justice Programs provide holistic support service for adults and young people involved in the justice system or who are exiting prisons and/or youth justice centres. Our programs target those who are assessed as high risk/need, with limited social and family networks, limited accommodation and post release support options and experiencing multiple and complex health problems. Staff deliver quality programs in a manner that reflects the social justice principles of participation, equity, access and respect. Services include intensive outreach support, case management, supported accommodation, drug and alcohol counselling, recreation programs and employment/training programs. Our adult and youth justice work contributes to regional and state-wide advisory forums and networks and assists in a more comprehensive approach to justice through partnerships with government agencies and other service providers, as well as to legislation, policy development and advocacy.

 

Reset Program

Reset is a Child-Focused Behaviour Change Program designed to support children aged 8-11 years, and some 12-13-year-olds who are found doli incapax, who are engaging in high-harm behaviours and are at risk of entering or escalating within the youth justice system.

Funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) and delivered across metropolitan Melbourne through a partnership between Jesuit Social Services and the Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS), the program is a key component of the broader Reset initiative, established following the increase in the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years under the Youth Justice Act 2024.

Through an intensive, child-focused early intervention case management, the program supports children at risk of involvement in the youth justice system, with a strong emphasis on behaviour change, developmental wellbeing, and long-term positive outcomes.

About the role

• Provide intensive, trauma-informed, developmentally responsive case management and assertive outreach to children aged 8–13 who present with high-risk and high-harm behaviours, supporting sustained behaviour change and improved wellbeing and developmental outcomes.
• Work with children, families, schools, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO), health services and other key stakeholders to coordinate integrate responses, strengthen protective factors, and address the complex needs contributing to justice related and other harmful behaviours.
• Promote early intervention and diversion from the youth justice system by delivering evidence-informed, culturally safe and strengths-based interventions that build family capacity, strengthen community participation, foster positive identity development, and support children to engage in prosocial pathways and achieve sustainable outcomes.

Candidate Requirements

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

1. Relevant tertiary qualification(s) and demonstrated knowledge of child and adolescent development, and relevant legislative and practice frameworks.
2. Demonstrated experience providing intensive case management to children and young people experiencing intersecting needs, including assessments, case planning, crisis intervention and assertive outreach, coordinating services, and evidence-informed support
3. Significant experience building effective therapeutic relationships with children and young people experiencing trauma mental health concerns, substance use, justice involvement, family violence, educational disengagement, and child protection involvement.
4. Demonstrated commitment to cultural safety and inclusive practice particularly when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people or people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
5. Highly developed communication reporting and organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate case records and data, meet compliance requirements, exercise sound professional judgement, manage competing priorities independently

How to Apply

• For further details please contact Jennifer Walters A/Manager Navigator, 04•• ••• 902
• Applications must include a resume, cover letter and address each of the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description. 

 

 

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the closing date may be subject to change without notice.

Jesuit Social Services 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.

We strongly encourage applications from all community members including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with a disability, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and working parents.

Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.