At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Aboriginal inmates and families, providing cultural advice and mentoring.
- Company: Join the Department of Communities and Justice, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible work, competitive pay, training opportunities, and health programs.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Empower Aboriginal communities and help reduce reoffending in a meaningful way.
- Qualifications: Must be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander with relevant experience or qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 133348 - 146945 £ per year.
Location – Northern Region (Various) – Mid-North Coast, North West New England regions. Flexible work arrangements available.
Employment type – Ongoing, Full Time
Salary – Clerk Grade 9/10 - $133,348 - $146,945 (plus superannuation + Annual Leave Loading)
This position is open to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only.
Your role
- Provide culturally specific expert advice to correctional centre management and staff on strategies to reduce adult reoffending and ensure the safe and humane treatment of Aboriginal inmates whilst in custody.
- Partner with Corrective Services NSW management to develop cultural capability of staff in the correctional centre.
- Coach and mentor Aboriginal inmates.
- Support Aboriginal inmates and their families in the event of an Aboriginal death in custody or death of family member.
What you’ll do
- Attend correctional centres to provide in person support to high-risk Aboriginal Inmates. Promote their participation in programs, services, industries, employment and identify well-being issues.
- Use business data to identify inmate movements and risks to be managed.
- Ensure centre staff are aware of their responsibilities to ensure the Regional Aboriginal Pathways Officer (RAPO) is notified of inmates placed on segregation orders (High Risk Offenders) Act 2006 or placed with Risk Intervention Team (RITS).
- Provide culturally sensitive advice relating to Aboriginal inmates placed on segregation to improve behaviours and Aboriginal inmates placed on RITS to improve well-being outcomes.
- Provide advice to all Aboriginal inmates and case management staff on strategies to address causes of offending behaviour and on pathways to support reintegration to the community.
- Provide cultural support in accordance with CSNSW policy and practice to the families of Aboriginal people who die in custody, including arranging for local smoking ceremony and support throughout the coronial investigation.
- Provide support to inmates in the event of a death in their family and provide online streaming services of the funeral when required.
- Complete relevant case management notes on all interactions in with Aboriginal inmates on the CSNSW’s Offender Integrated Management System (OIMS).
- Establish and maintain local Aboriginal community relationships with correctional centres within the allocated portfolio.
- Recommend selection of an Aboriginal delegate to the Governor/MOS of every Correctional Centre.
- Work with the CSNSW management on increasing cultural capability of all centre staff and plan, budget and coordinate Aboriginal cultural events and forums including NAIDOC and to coordinate regular meetings (monthly or quarterly as required) with Aboriginal Inmate Delegate Committees.
- Manage time effectively to attend multiple correctional centres and provide in person advice and support to improve outcomes for a high-risk group of inmates.
- Build an influential relationship with correctional centre management and staff to ensure effective management of Aboriginal offenders; including raising staff awareness and understanding of Aboriginal culture and the diversity within the Aboriginal Culture.
- Balance the cultural and community aspects of the role with the organisational constraints, obligations and managing the expectations of inmates and their families.
What we’re looking for
- Understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal offenders in the criminal justice system.
- Aboriginal cultural competence and ability to engage with multiple stakeholders both internal and external to Corrective Services NSW.
- Demonstrated cultural capability, which includes lived experience, knowledge and understanding of contemporary social issues affecting Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, including skills in identifying and/or responding to the diverse needs of Aboriginal people experiencing significant trauma and disadvantage.
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons.
- Certificate IV in Social Work or equivalent or demonstrated work related experience in a similar field.
- Current driver’s licence and preparedness to drive a vehicle to work sites.
- Attendance at correctional centres in remote areas within reasonable time frame. Some air flight will be necessary.
As an Identified role, this position is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons, Australia’s First Nations people.
What We Offer
- A challenging and rewarding career.
- Flexible, autonomous work environment.
- Competitive pay and conditions.
- Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities.
- Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.
We do work that really matters. Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.
Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!
Applications close 16 August 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.
Got a question? For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Timothy Taylor via email.
If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best, please call Rachel Urquhart-Secord.
Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit. We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience, and backgrounds.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
Regional Aboriginal Pathways Officer in Tamworth employer: NSW Department of Communities and Justice
The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is an exceptional employer, particularly for Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworkers in South Western Sydney, offering a meaningful career dedicated to supporting families and communities. With a strong focus on cultural connection, employee wellbeing, and professional development, DCJ fosters a collaborative work environment where your contributions can lead to real change. Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working conditions, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.
Contact Details:
NSW Department of Communities and Justice Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Aboriginal Pathways Officer in Tamworth
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from NSW Department of Communities and Justice!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like NSW Department of Communities and Justice, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at NSW Department of Communities and Justice or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Aboriginal Pathways Officer in Tamworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to NSW Department of Communities and Justice:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to NSW Department of Communities and Justice! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at NSW Department of Communities and Justice
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
