Services and Programs Officer (Aboriginal)

Be a Cultural Change-Maker in Corrective Services NSW

Services and Programs Officer (Aboriginal)

Wellington Correctional Centre

Locations – Wellington, NSW – Find out more

Employment Type – Ongoing opportunity

Salary – Clerk Grade 5/6 (starting at $99,938.00 + Environmental Allowance superannuation + leave loading)

This position is open to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only

Are you passionate about creating safer communities by supporting strong, healing-centred pathways for Aboriginal people in custody?

Join Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) at Wellington Correctional Centre, where your cultural knowledge, community connections, and lived experiences are seen as critical strengths in transforming lives and breaking cycles of reoffending.

This role is part of CSNSW’s Aboriginal Employment Strategy, which supports increased representation of First Nations voices in the workforce and the delivery of culturally responsive, trauma-informed services.

Your role

As a Services and Programs Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting Aboriginal inmates in custody through culturally safe practices, trauma-informed care, and holistic reintegration planning.

You will:

• Facilitate culturally appropriate programs that address offending behaviour and promote healing.
• Provide individual case support and work with inmates to identify strengths, needs, and future goals.
• Collaborate with Aboriginal service providers, community Elders, and family networks to support strong cultural identity and reintegration.
• Support pre-release planning with a focus on restoring connection to culture, Country, and community.
• Respond to critical situations with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and professional guidance.

What we’re looking for

We want to hear from people who:

• Have a deep understanding of the impacts of intergenerational trauma, systemic disadvantage, and barriers Aboriginal people face in the justice system.
• Are strong communicators with the ability to engage and build trust with Aboriginal people in custody and community.
• Bring professional or lived experience in areas such as healing work, community services, justice, social work, mental health, or education.
• Can confidently facilitate group and individual sessions in complex environments.
• Value integrity, cultural safety, and strengths-based practice.

Essential Requirements

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (confirmation required—see below).
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in psychology, social work, community services, or mental health.
• Certificate IV in Correctional Practice (or willingness to complete).
• Current NSW Driver’s Licence and willingness to travel if required.
• Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
  
  

Download the role description.

Why Work With Us?

• Cultural Impact: Be a visible Aboriginal voice influencing change from within.
• Workplace Belonging: Join a growing First Nations workforce supported through peer networks, yarning circles, mentoring, and cultural supervision.
• Career Pathways: Access to professional development, qualifications, and pathways into senior roles.

How to Confirm Aboriginality

One of the following must be uploaded to your profile:

1. Confirmation of Aboriginality form
    

or
 

2. Written confirmation from 2–3 Aboriginal organisations from your local community addressing all three criteria:

• You are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• You identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
• You are accepted as such by your community.

As this is an Identified role, Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 applies.

Ready to Apply?

Submit your:

• Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining how you meet the role requirements
• Résumé (max 5 pages) highlighting your experience and impact

Applications close 28 September 2025 at 11:59pm AEST.

Need Support to Apply?

For role-specific questions:

For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for CSNSW, please contact the hiring manager Julie Luckett via email: Julie.Luckett@correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au 

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 (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Erica Tam on 0428 944 731 or via erica.tam@correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au

For recruitment adjustments:

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months. For more information visit Your recruitment journey on the DCJ website.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/