About this role
* Utilise your expertise to provide support and advice to key stakeholders.
* Fixed term to 30 June 2028, full-time opportunity to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service
* VPS Grade 4: $97,955 - $111,142 plus superannuation.
The Department of Justice and Community Safety (the department) is seeking a Youth Development Officer to provide a critical role at Western Plains Correctional Centre.
About the Business Unit
Corrections Victoria is part of the Department of Justice and Community Safety and is responsible for the operation of Victoria's adult corrections system, public and privately operated prisons, and a transitional centre. It ensures that people held in prison are safely and securely contained and aims to rehabilitate people by addressing the underlying causes of offending behaviour.
Western Plains Correctional is a modern, maximum-security prison focussed on rehabilitation, housing up to 1248 people in custody. Western Plains features multi-purpose infrastructure which is adaptable to evolving needs of Corrections Victoria and the people in our care. Modern amenities include medical wards, a culture centre, and vocational training facilities.
Western Plains provides a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to individualised care which motivates, encourages and promotes reintegration into the community. Western Plains has advanced technology which improves security, streamlines operations and enhances connections for the people in custody.
About the Role
The Youth Development Officer (YDO) is responsible for the development, implementation, and co-ordination of the youth response at select prison locations. The YDO will drive best practice engagement strategies of young people across the prison system and support the facilitation and promotion of development activities, living and vocational skills, sports and recreation programs, activities, and events for young people in custody.
The YDO is a key role within the Offender Services team which is responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of a range of rehabilitation, reintegration and specialist support services. YDOs will work alongside existing prison staff to enhance capability and consistency in working with young adults, embedding best-practice approaches that recognise their distinct developmental and rehabilitative needs. They will also play a key role in connecting young adults to tailored programs and supports, fostering positive identity, family connection, and pathways for successful reintegration into the community.
Some of your duties will include:
* Assess and identify young adult needs, and provide proactive advice, consultation, case co-ordination, guidance and recommendations in relation to the needs of young adults.
* Develop, deliver and coordinate a comprehensive suite of services, programs and engagement activities for young adults in custody, ensuring participation strategies that promote meaningful involvement and respond to individual needs.
To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will have:
Demonstrated expertise in the development and support of young adults in the justice system, including comprehensive knowledge of criminogenic needs, risk and protective factors, and evidence‑based intervention frameworks.
Skills and/or knowledge in applying trauma‑informed, strengths‑based, and culturally responsive approaches to promote pro‑social behaviour, enhance wellbeing, and support positive identity formation.
Qualifications
Relevant tertiary qualification or experience in the field of youth or social work is highly desirable for this role.
A current Victorian driver's licence is required for this role.
How to Apply
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.