Manager, Professional Practice (MPP)

About the role

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is seeking a Manager, Professional Practice to join the management team at Melbourne Assessment Prison, a maximum-security men's facility providing assessment, orientation and placement services for people entering the Victorian prison system. The role leads the implementation of the Professional Practice Model, strengthening staff capability and promoting evidence-based, rehabilitation-focused practice.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Professional Practice Model, embedding contemporary, evidence-based correctional practice across the prison.
• Provide specialist advice, coaching and practice support to custodial staff and leaders to strengthen professional judgement and rehabilitation-focused approaches.
• Design and facilitate training, reflective learning activities and capability-building initiatives.
• Monitor and analyse practice, performance and operational data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to share best practice and support strategic and operational objectives.
• Contribute to policy development, reform initiatives and organisational change activities.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience applying evidence-based, trauma-informed and person-centred approaches to support rehabilitation of complex and high-risk cohorts.
• Proven experience developing capability through coaching, mentoring, training and professional development.
• Experience leading or contributing to strategic projects, service improvement initiatives and organisational reform.
• Desirable: tertiary qualification in psychology, social work, criminology, human services, training, assessment, teaching or education; formal training in trauma-informed practice, motivational interviewing or cognitive behavioural interventions; Certificate IV in Correctional Practice.

Required skills

• Practice leadership, expert advice and strategic guidance in a complex operational environment.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including interpreting information and identifying improvements.
• Stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• A sound understanding of contemporary correctional practice and the Correctional Practice Framework is highly regarded.

Applications close 16 November 2026 and include a resume and covering letter. Pre-employment checks, which may include a criminal history check and misconduct screening, are required.