Senior Project Officer,
Youth Justice
* Temporary Full time up to 30 June 2026 with possible extension
* Location - Parramatta
* Clerk Grade 9/10, Salary ($129,464 - $142,665 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
Review, develop, manage and implement a range of comprehensive projects, policies and practices for the Youth Justice Division to support and monitor effective service delivery. The role will lead and coordinate key reform initiatives, including Youth Justice Conferencing reform and remand reduction reform, with a strong focus on implementation and system improvement to align with Close the Gap priorities.
The role is accountable for the leadership and implementation of corporate and strategic research and reform projects, and the provision of high-level policy advice and consultancy services to Youth Justice senior management teams and other client groups. These projects result in reports that assist senior management with decisions in relation to corporate direction, management, budgeting, and operational service delivery and reform priorities.
What you'll do
* Design, implement and coordinate a range of projects, policies and practices that translate strategic reform objectives into practical, sustainable service delivery improvements across Youth Justice
* Manage all aspects of project delivery, including scope, timelines, risks, resources and budgets, ensuring milestones and deliverables are achieved.
* Undertake research and analysis to inform policy development, reform design and implementation approaches across the Division.
* Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Aboriginal community‐controlled organisations, to ensure reforms are informed by lived experience and community perspectives
* Provide timely advice and communicate with key stakeholders across the Division regarding project status, risk, and implementation issues and reform opportunities
* Lead and support project team members by setting clear expectations, providing guidance and fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture
* Prepare a range of project related documents to key stakeholders as required, including status updates, reports, budgets and discussion papers and control the flow of information.
* Contribute to the development of project management methodologies and process across the Division.
What we're looking for
* Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience.
* A current Driver's License for roles within Youth Justice Operations Divisions.
* Travel may be a requirement of this position.
* Current NSW Working with Children Check clearance
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander lived experience and strong cultural capability are highly valued, as this role contributes to reforms that directly impact Aboriginal young people, families and communities and supports Youth Justice commitments under Closing the Gap.
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:
* Describe a complex reform or improvement project you have led or played a significant leadership role in. In your response, outline:
* the purpose of the reform and your role in leading or coordinating it
* how you translated strategic objectives into practical implementation actions
* how you managed risks, stakeholders and competing priorities
* the outcomes achieved and how success was measured
1. Youth Justice reforms must be informed by lived experience and strong partnerships.
Describe a time when you worked collaboratively with Aboriginal stakeholders, community‐controlled organisations, or diverse partners to inform policy, reform or service delivery. In your response, outline:
* how you built and maintained culturally respectful and effective relationships
* how community or stakeholder perspectives influenced your approach or decisions
* how you navigated differing views or challenges
* what you learned and how it informed reform outcomes
Applications close Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 11:59pm AEST. Got a question? For more information about the role or what it's like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Anita Borg 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 (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Lisa Smith on 0456 199 105 or via 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