Currently on a secondment with our Quality and Risk team, Chris describes himself as easy-going and adventurous. That adventurous spirit has seen him work across all ACSO’s forensic casework services—first as a caseworker with ReConnect, then as a Team Leader with CSP, and more recently as a Team Leader with ReStart. Over the years, Chris has left ACSO twice to pursue different interests and opportunities, but he keeps finding his way back to us. He says there’s a good reason for that.

“There is so much variety in what we do, and we are surrounded by wonderful humans. What we work tirelessly to achieve as an organisation is inspiring.” 

You’ve had a long and diverse career with ACSO. Could you describe your journey for us?  

“My journey in the forensic space started back in 2014, but I officially joined ACSO at the start of 2015. While I was training as a prison officer, I expressed my interest in a role at ACSO, but there weren’t any openings then. I told HR (now PX) to keep me in mind if there were any openings. Just a few months later and after only three months as a prison officer, I got a call offering me a spot in the outreach program.  

“I was in outreach for a few months and then in early 2015, I moved into the ReConnect program as a caseworker. That was a real eye-opener. I worked with some really challenging, complex clients from all walks of life which really shaped me as a caseworker—just an amazing, lasting impact.  

“After two and half years, I left ACSO and went back to the prisons as an assessment and transition coordinator for about a year. But I missed ACSO, and I came back as a Team Leader in the Community Support Program (CSP). When I started, we only had three clients and now it’s grown like crazy.  

“After that, I moved into the Program Manager role for ReConnect. I had the privilege of working with a fantastic team, seeing the program evolve, eligibility expand, change in contracts, and plenty of other great things. I loved that time—it was a great chapter. 

“After five years as Program Manager for ReConnect, I left ACSO again to try my chances at another organisation. This venture didn’t last even two months. It wasn’t for me.  

“I live with no regrets though, as ACSO took me back as Team Leader in the ReStart program. This was a special move for me, as it gave me exposure to the third and final program in Forensic Case Work Services. After Restart, that’s where I left the Forensic Casework Services world for now. I’m currently in a secondment in the Quality and Risk team which I am loving.”   

What’s it like going from forensic casework to working with Quality and Risk? 

“Working in Quality and Risk as an advisor has been a fantastic shift. It’s really made me think in new ways, using different parts of my brain and I’m getting a much broader exposure to other arms of ACSO. I’m still in touch with operations, especially Forensic Casework which I love, but I’m also learning heaps about other areas, such as residential services and our AOD programs.” 

What do you like to do with your time outside of work? 

“I love spending time with my family. I am blessed to have two boys and wonderful wife. We enjoy going to sport games, having BBQs with family and friends, fishing and being outdoors. Personally, I love my sport and being around friends and family. This is my outlet. I started playing ice hockey a couple of years ago (mid-life crisis, I can’t afford a nice car) and I’ve put the boots back on to play rugby again – which I’m really loving! I’m assisting coaching my son’s rugby team this year, and I’m surprised at how much of a kick it’s giving me. I think sometimes I enjoy it more than he does!” 

For anyone who might not be aware of what Quality and Risk do, what does a normal day in your work week look like? 

“No two days are exactly the same, but I do have some core duties. One big part is handling privacy requests—we get these from clients, from lawyers, from Police, and sometimes through legislative schemes such as the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme. Of course, sometimes we even get summons or subpoenas which really steps up the responsibility. We also do a range of projects, which keeps things interesting. Right now I’m working on a data retention schedule, there’s a real variety. I still work a lot with operations—we also handle feedback (complaints and compliments) and a lot of risk and compliance reporting. There is always a new challenge.” 

You’ve worked in several different programs and roles, is there another program or team at ACSO you’d be curious to be a part of, or to learn more about? 

“I’ve always been keen on exploring quality and risk, since I’ve always found the law, policy and what drives our work really fascinating. I’m happy in my current role and have really valued my time in Forensic Casework Services, but who knows what might come next—there could always be another area down the line that sparks my interest, and I’m open to where my journey takes me.” 

Looking back at your time with ACSO so far, do you have a moment you are most proud of? 

“There are heaps. I was really proud to be a part of introducing the lived experience role into the ReConnect program. It was a long process, however hearing the passion from all of those that applied for the role and being a part of getting it all off the ground was huge for me.” 

Learning about Chris and his journey with ACSO, what’s most striking is his openness and curiosity. Chris has taken on so many different roles and continues to explore the areas that make him most passionate. It’s also wonderful to hear how ACSO has supported him to pursue so many career interests. In Chris’s own words, “I’m currently in my third stint at ACSO and there is a reason for that.” We’re certainly grateful to have you on our team, Chris!