- Play a vital role in supporting Youth Justice Workers throughout their employment journey.
- Contribute to the goals of the Operational Leadership & Capability team ensuring staff are well-prepared, confident, and capable in their roles.
- Deliver structured learning, day-to-day guidance in operational settings and leadership development support to Youth Justice Workers.
The opportunity
- Multiple Full-time positions (Ongoing & Fixed Term until 30 June 2027) based across Parkville Youth Justice Precinct & Cherry Creek Youth Justice Precinct, with travel to other offices within the department.
- YJW4 role, earning $104,545 - $118,631 per year plus super.
- Deliver tailored coaching and developmental support to Youth Justice custodial staff across all career stages-from new recruits to experienced professionals-fostering operational competence, leadership capabilities and long-term career growth. Facilitate staff engagement in reflective supervision and continuous development practices.
- Support the coordination and high-quality delivery of the Foundations Program, including induction, observational learning, shadow shifts, and structured performance assessments.
- Continuously assess staff development needs through direct observation, formal and informal feedback, and structured collaboration with trainers, supervisors, and precinct leadership teams. Use insights to inform learning plans, coaching strategies, and performance interventions.
Working closely with the Youth Justice Learning & Capability team, senior leaders, and precinct management, the Assistant Manager helps design and implement leadership programs and support the coordination and delivery of the Foundations Program. They provide ongoing support and coaching to probationary staff, facilitate performance assessments, and promote engagement, retention, and continuous development across the workforce.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Experience delivering leadership, management, and interpersonal skills training tailored to operational custodial staff.
- Clear understanding of custodial operational practices, including case management, safety, and security protocols.
- Proven ability to supervise, coach, and mentor operational staff, supporting professional growth and performance within a high-demand environment
- Strong working knowledge of the Youth Justice Act 2024 and Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, with practical application in custodial operations, staff conduct and learning programs.
A full driver's licence is required due to the need to be able to work flexibly across both custodial precincts and training venues, based on operational requirements.
A current employee Working with Children Check (WWCC) card is required and will need to be provided prior to commencement of employment by the applicant. Currency will need to be maintained by the employee for the period of employment.
To learn more about the type of skills you will need to thrive in this role, please read the position description.
What's in it for you?
You will be working for the Department of Justice and Community Safety, which is one arm of the Victorian State Government, a recognised top employer of choice nationally. All our staff work to the vision of a safe, just, innovative and thriving Victoria.
There are many advantages in working for the department, including:
- Job stability - position as a member of the Victorian Public Service (VPS).
- A fair salary- enjoy great work conditions and salary sacrificing options.
- Transparent performance framework- approach your work with confidence in how you're tracking, working to professional development plans agreed on by you and your manager.
- Generous leave entitlements- provisions for many forms of leave; including personal, parental, carers, study, cultural, compassionate, and sick leave.
- Employee Assistance Program support - you are encouraged to use this short-term, confidential counselling service if you're experiencing emotional stress, relationship problems, conflict with others or personal issues. It is also available for financial counselling and retirement planning.
If you have any queries, please contact Samantha Knight on 0459 859 513 or samantha.a.knight@justice.vic.gov.au
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact Aboriginalrecruitment@justice.vic.gov.au if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.
For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made
We want to make sure all Victorians feel represented by the department's work. One of the ways we do this is by recruiting a diverse workforce - we welcome people of any gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability and cultural background. We are also committed to the Victorian Government's promise to increase the number of veterans working in the public sector.
We're proud of our individual differences. We're proud of the many languages we speak and the stories we can share with each other. We hope you will share your story too.
If this sounds like a compelling job that you believe your skills would be a great match for, please APPLY NOW. Applications close 11.59pm, 7th September 2025.
How to apply
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:
The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.