Youth Officer

Youth Officer

Location:  Acmena – Grafton Youth Justice Centre

Employment type: Casual and unlock opportunities for temporary and ongoing roles

Salary: $36.20 per hour + loading (casual). Temporary and Ongoing - $71,777 – $80,129 + super + allowances

Shift work required.

This role involves shift work across a 24/7 roster, including weekends and public holidays.

Change Lives. Build a Career. Start Local in Grafton.

Looking for a role where **your impact matters from day one?

**

Start as a Casual Youth Officer and unlock exciting temporary and ongoing opportunities leading to a long‑term, stable and rewarding career in Youth Justice. Show us what you’ve got and grow your career with us.

No experience? No problem.

We provide five weeks of paid full‑time training before you begin.

This is your chance to make a real difference in your own community — while enjoying flexibility, purpose and strong career pathways.

Your role

Youth Officers support young people in custody to develop life skills, build positive behaviours and prepare for their return to the community. Working in a secure Youth Justice Centre, you will supervise young people while encouraging participation in education, programs and daily activities designed to reduce reoffending. This is an entry-level role with full training provided, including five weeks of paid full-time training before starting in the Centre. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting young people while maintaining a safe and structured environment. 

Learn more about the role: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf52Zwaq5dQ

Working in regional NSW

Working in regional Youth Justice Centres offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while enjoying the benefits of regional living.

At the same time, regional Youth Justice roles offer deep impact and strong community purpose. Staff often build meaningful relationships with the community and see firsthand the positive changes young people make.

What you’ll do

As part of the Youth Justice NSW custodial team, you will supervise and support young people in custody by:

• Supervising young people and support their daily routines and wellbeing
• Encouraging participation in education, vocational, recreational and therapeutic programs
• Practicing positive role modelling to support behaviour change
• Responding appropriately to challenging situations
• Maintaining a safe and secure environment
• Working collaboratively with psychologists and caseworkers
• Completing operational and case management records
• Supporting young people attending court, medical or casework appointments

You’ll work as part of a team-based environment within a secure Youth Justice Centre, supporting young people alongside psychologists, caseworkers and other specialists.

What we’re looking for

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  You can connect with people from diverse backgrounds and support young people to engage in programs and activities.
• Resilience and sound judgement
  You remain calm in challenging situations and manage behaviour professionally.
• Teamwork and accountability
  You work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a safe environment.
• Cultural awareness and community understanding
  You demonstrate respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and understand the social and cultural complexities affecting young people and their communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Hold a minimum NSW P2 Driver Licence
• Hold or obtain First Aid certification (HLTAID011)
• Hold a Working With Children Check clearance
• Pass a medical and fitness assessment
• Pass a National Criminal History Check
• Be available to complete 5 weeks of full-time training (Induction Training & Assessment Program)- ITAP

Download the role description.

If you are viewing this ad in Seek and wish to apply via their portal, you will be required to either set up a profile or login via your existing Seek account.

To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now’ button.

What we offer

• 5 weeks paid full-time training to prepare you for the role
• Career pathways across Youth Justice and the broader DCJ network
• Competitive salary, shift allowances and penalty rates
• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs
• The opportunity to make a real difference in young people’s lives

Apply now

Click apply and attach:

• An up-to-date résumé (maximum 3 pages)
• Cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role

Applications close 5 August 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

For more information about the role, application process, or recruitment adjustments, please contact Merina Maharjan on 0473 430 764 or careers@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

DCJ is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. Learn more on the DCJ Inclusion and Diversity webpage.

Follow Careers at DCJ on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing, temporary and casual roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

The Welcome Experience

Thinking about relocating to regional NSW? The Welcome Experience provides free support with housing, schools, jobs and settling into your community.

Learn more: https://www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.