Youth Justice Caseworkers –
Wollongong Youth Justice Community Office,
Youth Justice
- 1 x Temporary Full time up to 12 months
- 1 x Temporary Full time up to 2 years
- Location: Wollongong
- Clerk Grade 6/7, Salary ($107,131 - $116,969 pa), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
This is a targeted recruitment.
While all applicants are welcome, preference will be given to candidates who meet the established standards of the role and are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent. This is because the Department acknowledges this lived experience contributes a perspective valuable to our work with this community.
Your role
Provide front line services to young people at Wollongong Youth Justice Community Office. This involves providing a range of quality externally and internally sourced services to detainees, youth justice conferencing clients, victims of crime and court mandated young people and their families. The role is part of a multi-disciplined team that aims to reduce re-offending of young people, enhance their functioning and support reintegration into their families and the community.
What you’ll do
As part of the Wollongong Youth Justice Community team, you will
- Undertake case management activities that target appropriate areas of need/risk to the young person re-offending. This includes case planning, organising and facilitating case conferences and delivering offence focused intervention programs to young people.
- Work collaboratively with Youth Justice staff such as other YJ Caseworkers, Youth Officers and Psychologists, along with a range of government and non-government stakeholders to connect young people to services appropriate to their individual case plan and monitor the progress of the young person.
- Work closely with courts, parole authorities, review panels and legal professionals and provide clear and concise advice, briefings, reports and other formal written communication for internal and external stakeholders.
- Use detailed structured screening and assessment tools to identify the risks and needs of young people and determine the level and types of interventions/programs required, including family and crisis interventions.
- Monitor outcome plans and case plans for compliance and progress in line with required operational standards and take appropriate actions.
- Maintain accurate records and data integrity of relevant information systems to ensure accurate, up to date client information is available to support effective case management, planning, decision making and quality assurance.
- Provide young people and their families with the tools, information and support to create positive change in their lives and contribute more productively within their community.
- Contribute to the therapeutic nature of Youth Justice services including behaviour management of young people and reflective practice with staff.
- Adapt to changes and comply with Departmental policies, procedures, standards and best practice guidelines.
What we’re looking for
- Relevant tertiary qualifications (diploma or higher) in social work, welfare, psychology, criminology, education or related field or equivalent experience.
- Current NSW Working with Children Clearance
- Current NSW Driver’s Licence
Appointments are subject to reference checks. Some roles may also require the following checks/ clearances:
- National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014
Download the role description.
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To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now’ button.
We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.
What We Offer
We offer a variety of benefits, including:
- A challenging and rewarding career
- Flexible, autonomous work environment
- Competitive pay and conditions
- Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
- Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.
Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.
We do work that really matters
Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.
Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!
Are you ready to join us?
Click apply. You will need to attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum five pages) and a cover letter (maximum three pages) with a brief outline on how you meet the focus capabilities & requirements of the role and answer the two targeted questions below:
- Provide an example of when you have worked with a young person who had complex needs and their family to identify areas of risk and deliver a targeted intervention plan. What was the outcome of your intervention?
- Please detail partnerships you have developed with external agencies and services, including Aboriginal specific agencies and the benefits you have experienced of having strong networking skills.
Applications close Sunday 10 August 2025 at 11:59 pm AEST.
Got a question?
For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Kain Young on 0459 872 574 or via kain.young@dcj.nsw.gov.au
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 (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Lisa Smith on 0456 199 105 or via lisa.smith3@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.
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 Inclusion and diversity 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 and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/
The Welcome Experience
Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience
The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW’ page.