Stephen McCarthy
East Bendigo,VIC
Summary
Dynamic Employment Specialist with a proven track record at Employment Pathways, excelling in job readiness training and stakeholder engagement. Adept at process improvement and performance coaching, I have successfully facilitated employment placements, significantly enhancing participant outcomes. My strong organizational skills and commitment to innovation drive impactful results in employment services.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Acting Employment Specialist
Employment Pathways
06.2025 - Current
- Direct operation management of Employment Hubs at Loddon Prison and Middleton.
- Manage the delivery of coordinated employment services across both Loddon precinct sites.
- Contribute to the growth of employment services on-site, provide quality service, improvement, and innovation.
- Create a meaningful, positive impact by assisting participants in achieving job readiness and securing post-release employment.
- Facilitate planning, development, and execution of state-wide coordinated employment service
- Collaborate with participants in custody and post-release to facilitate employment or training placement during community reintegration
Project Support Officer
Employment Pathways
02.2024 - 06.2025
- Coordinated project schedules and timelines for various employment initiatives.
- Assist with outreach to promote employment services effectively.
- Maintained project databases and tracking systems for accurate information sharing.
- Collaborated with team members to identify areas for process improvement and efficiency.
- Provided administrative support to the Employment Specialist.
- Identify areas requiring improvement within existing processes and procedures.
- Facilitated coordination of project activities and tasks across education and prison industry units.
- Maintained accurate records in accordance with Employment Pathways guidelines and procedures.
- Developed promotional materials including posters, notepads, yearly planners, and presentations.
- Engaged directly with participants to assess needs related to employment support pre and post release.
- Executed data entry across multiple systems including JETS and JEM, ensuring accuracy and adherence to data controls utilized by Employment Pathways.
- Ensured compliance with Corrections Victoria policies, procedures and standards when carrying out duties associated with assigned projects.
Industry Senior Officer
Middleton Prison Industries
10.2018 - 02.2024
- Oversee team of custody employees across various industries, showcasing production techniques and providing guidance
- Coordinating industry procedures to guarantee safe, secure, and efficient operation of prison facilities, and offender supervision.
- ensuring adherence to offender management protocols.
- Facilitate training, coaching, and support for offenders in a working factory.
- Contributing to development and maintenance of professional boundaries, security management, and classification protocols.
- Serve as positive role model, guiding and implementing strategies to inspire both staff and prisoners.
Industry Supervisor
Tarrengower Prison
05.2016 - 10.2018
- Oversaw operations within commercial industry to enhance service delivery efficiencies.
Maintained high standards of quality assurance for manufactured products.
Identified opportunities to improve operational processes and reduce costs.
Focused on customer satisfaction through proactive engagement and feedback analysis. - Led and coached team of Senior Prison Officers on best practices and safety protocols.
- Conducted regular team meetings to discuss goals and address challenges.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Guaranteed compliance while upholding security and safety standards of prison operations.
- Facilitated resolution of employee conflicts to sustain a positive work environment.
- Managed quality and productivity for staff and prisoners through effective oversight.
Provided constructive feedback and coaching to enhance performance where necessary. - Complied with company policies, objectives and communication goals.
- Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
- Performed monthly inventory checks to ensure sufficient stock levels for all products.
Bushfire fire fighter-Code one driver
Taradale CFA
06.2009 - 06.2016
- Hazchem awareness
- Responded to emergency calls for fire suppression and rescue operations.
- Conducted regular training drills to enhance team readiness and skills.
- Operated firefighting equipment and tools during active incidents.
- Maintained accurate records of equipment inspections and maintenance logs.
- Assisted in community education programs about fire safety practices.
Acting Industry Senior Officer
Tarrengower Prison
03.2015 - 05.2016
- Managed daily operations and ensured compliance with security and safety of the prison.
- Coordinated inventory management and maintained accurate supply records.
- Developed training materials to support staff development initiatives.
- Implemented new technologies to enhance workplace productivity levels.
- Championed innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensured the security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Developed training programs for diverse employee skill sets and operational needs.
Prison Officer Custodial
Tarrengower Prison
10.2014 - 03.2015
- Supervised prisoner activities and maintained safety protocols within facility.
- Performed routine searches and inspections of cells and common areas.
- Maintained clear and open communications with staff and prisoners to maintain safe operations.
- Engage dynamic security practices.
- Maintain and create individualized goals and plans. Engage in positive reinforcement techniques.
- Documented incidents and prepared reports for management review.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures and safety guidelines.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations.
Shop fitter
Almo Shop fitting
06.2008 - 09.2014
- Executed all aspects of shop fitting including –
- Construct and install cabinetry, shop front, and shop structures.
- Executed carpentry projects by accurately interpreting plans and specifications.
Managed shop setup to ensure efficient workflow and resource allocation.
Monitored scope of work deadlines to maintain project timelines.
Reviewed blueprints to identify key requirements and potential challenges. - Transporting shop modules for installation
Joint Business Owner/operation
Kyneton Convenience Store
04.2003 - 06.2008
- All aspects of overseeing business
- All aspects of staff management
- Cleanliness & presentation of shop
- Stock management, ordering and rotation
- Liaise with company representatives
- Customer service
Site Manager
Tierney Petroleum P/L Bendigo
06.1987 - 12.2002
- Driveway service
- Fuel depot inventory- Fuel and Bulk Oils
- Administration/Bookkeeping for commission agent sites
- Stock management, ordering and rotation
- Liaise with company representatives/Marketing
- Customer service
Education
Certificate III - Custodial Practices
White Hills Technical College
BendigoSkills
- Employment services coordination
- Job readiness training
- Data management
- Project management
- Compliance administration
- Stakeholder engagement
- Process improvement
- Team leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Active listening
- Performance coaching
- Motivational interviewing
- Resume writing
- Records documentation
- Job placement
- Motivational strategies
- Professional development
- Organizational skills
- Self motivation
- Budget management
- Staff coaching
- Problem-solving skills
- Marketing
- Effective planning skills
- Carpentry
- Cabinet making
- Use of electric tools
- Use of battery tools
- Use of hand tools
- Plan reading
- Time management
- Meeting deadlines
References
- Peter Foti, Vocational Services Manager, Loddon Prison Precinct
- Julie Levy, Employment Specialist
Timeline
Acting Employment Specialist
Employment Pathways
06.2025 - Current
Project Support Officer
Employment Pathways
02.2024 - 06.2025
Industry Senior Officer
Middleton Prison Industries
10.2018 - 02.2024
Industry Supervisor
Tarrengower Prison
05.2016 - 10.2018
Acting Industry Senior Officer
Tarrengower Prison
03.2015 - 05.2016
Prison Officer Custodial
Tarrengower Prison
10.2014 - 03.2015
Bushfire fire fighter-Code one driver
Taradale CFA
06.2009 - 06.2016
Shop fitter
Almo Shop fitting
06.2008 - 09.2014
Joint Business Owner/operation
Kyneton Convenience Store
04.2003 - 06.2008
Site Manager
Tierney Petroleum P/L Bendigo
06.1987 - 12.2002
Certificate III - Custodial Practices
White Hills Technical College