Youth Officer

Position Youth Officer – Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre (Kariong) Compensation and Application Details Apply for Casual, Temporary and Ongoing (full-time) positions Paid training and development Casual rate of $36.20 + casual loading per hour Salary package from $71,777 to $80,129 p.a., superannuation, plus shift allowances and penalty rates as applicable This recruitment is for the March 2026 intake Applications close on Sunday 11 January 2026 at 11:59pm Targeted Recruitment The Department of Communities and Justice acknowledges the importance of lived experience and how it contributes to the valuable work we do with the community. We strongly encourage and support applications from people who are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. While applications from people with diverse cultural backgrounds are welcome, once we have determined through merit‑based assessment which candidates meet the pre‑established standards of the role, we will select the candidate who is also of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent (as appropriate). Who We’re Looking For We are seeking people with life skills who can communicate well, remain calm under pressure and want to help young offenders make better choices. The roles include positive leadership and supervision while assisting in the care, development and security of young people in custody in NSW. About Youth Justice NSW Youth Justice NSW is a division of the Department of Communities and Justice within the Stronger Communities NSW cluster. Formerly known as Juvenile Justice, Youth Justice NSW supervises and provides custodial and community‑based services for young offenders under the Children (Detention Centres) Act, 1987. There are six Youth Justice centres across NSW which accommodate young offenders and offer health, educational and spiritual services, including individual case management, specialised counselling, and training in job and living skills. There are also 34 Youth Justice community offices that provide community‑based intervention for young people who are at risk of reoffending. Youth Justice NSW aims to work with young people to reduce their reoffending, rehabilitate and return them to society. About Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre is the largest of six Youth Justice centres in the state with a capacity for 120 young people and is located at Kariong near Gosford. The centre was opened in October 1999 and accommodates males aged 16 to 21 years, mostly on control orders. The centre offers a range of health, educational and spiritual services to the young people, including individual case management, specialised counselling, and training in job and living skills. Many of these young people come from traumatic backgrounds and can display unpredictable behaviour. About The Role Youth Officers supervise and work with young people in Youth Justice Centres across NSW. It is a shift‑work based role which includes night shifts and weekend work. Youth Officers are frontline staff and work within the secure residential units of a Youth Justice Centre. The Role Offers A culturally diverse workplace with equal opportunity Access to staff benefits Supportive team environment 5 weeks of full‑time training to prepare you for entry‑level duties A job that gives back to the community Help young people reintegrate back into society As a Youth Officer You Will Supervise young people in custody and ensure all their needs such as health, hygiene and wellbeing are met on a daily basis Respond to challenging situations Maintain a safe and secure environment for the young people and staff within the centre Proactively avert risk and solve problems Be a role positive role model who is willing to reinforce boundaries Work in accordance with relevant department legislation, policies and procedures Follow a structured routine and help young people adjust to the routine by role‑modeling and demonstrating expectations Communicate well and find common ground with others Remain calm in high‑pressure situations Be energetic and enjoy working as part of a team Be willing to facilitate and participate in programs to develop the skills of young people Be confident in managing conflict in a high‑pressure and fast‑paced environment Be resilient and flexible in your approach to working with others Requirements Of The Role Meet citizenship or residency requirements Possession of a minimum provisional 2 NSW driver’s licence National Background Police Check Medical and fitness assessment to determine that you are fit to safely carry out the duties of the role without significant risk to yourself or others NSW Working with Children Check clearance Possession or willingness to obtain the ‘Provide First Aid Certificate’ (HLTAID011) Good verbal and written communication skills Ability to work in a team environment Availability to complete 5 weeks of full‑time training to prepare you for entry‑level duties: the Induction Training and Assessment Program (ITAP). The next intake will start in March 2026. You must pass the assessments during these initial 5 weeks of full‑time training to be declared as ready for entry‑level duties. How To Apply Ensure that you have read the role description Check that you are able to meet the requirements for the role listed above Click the ‘apply’ button to submit your application Ensure you answer all the pre‑screening questions Attach the following: An updated resume of no more than three (3) pages which clearly details your skills and experience as relevant to the position. A cover letter of no more than one (1) page introducing yourself and explaining your interest in the role. Driver’s licence (NSW P2 or above) Working with Children Check (WWCC) and First Aid Certificate if you already have them. Eligible applicants will be invited to participate in an interview and assessment process which is due to be held in January 2026. Got a question? For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact Merina Maharjan on 0473 430 764 or via . 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, please contact Merina Maharjan via . Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups. To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit the Inclusion and diversity page 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 the Your recruitment journey page on the DCJ website. #J-18808-Ljbffr