In my final year of high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do in my career. Then I attended a legal studies excursion to Barwon Prison, and listened to stories from some men about their incarceration cycle. This sparked something in me: a passion for reintegration and rehabilitation of people leaving custody. I researched the field and came across ACSO, and was in awe that an organisation encapsulated what I was so passionate about.
I’ve worked at ACSO in the Forensic Residential Services since August 2020, and moved into leadership in May 2021. From the second I started (and I was very green to community services), I knew this was the field for me.
In Residential Services we have such a unique opportunity to be able to learn about our residents in every facet of their lives and be able to tailor support to their needs. I found the ability to build rapport with our residents as my biggest strength. It’s allowed me to motivate and guide residents through capacity building, conflict resolution and crisis. I’ve carried this with me to my leadership roles.
I am lucky to be the Team leader of two teams, in two different locations. I love my job and the work that I get to do daily. The people I work with make my job even more enjoyable. Being amongst such like-minded yet unique personalities is something I cherish most in this role.
Collaboration is vital in my role. Maintaining a professional and collaborative approach and focusing on a common goal has been a gratifying experience for me.
To me ‘understand the story and support the change’ encapsulates our work at ACSO. It is vital in our work that we understand the story, where our residents have come from and what led them to our service. To support change, we use trauma-informed and positive behaviour support strategies to motivate and work alongside our residents, to give them every opportunity for a second chance.