Aboriginal Youth Justice Caseworker –
Maitland/Muswellbrook Youth Justice Community Office
* 1 x Temporary Full time up to 12 months
* 1 x Temporary Part time (35 hours per fortnight) up to 12 months
* Clerk Grade 6/7, Salary ($107,131 - $116,969 pa/pro rata), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
Position
This position is open to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only.
Your role
This role is committed to improving outcomes for the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Provide front line services to young people at the Maitland/Muswellbrook Youth Justice Community Office, including 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
* Develop and maintain relationships with the Aboriginal community and key stakeholders to successfully provide and deliver front line services to young people.
* 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 programmes 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.
* NSW Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.
* Current Driver's Licence.
As an Identified role, this role is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons, Australia's First Nations people. Where a position is identified, an applicant's race is a genuine occupational qualification and authorised by Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
Role Verification of Aboriginality
There are two alternatives to confirming your Aboriginality, one of which must be uploaded to be considered for the role:
* Confirmation of Aboriginality form
* Written confirmation from 2-3 Aboriginal organisations within the community in which you live/work, which addresses the three criteria listed below:
o is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
o identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
o is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
Appointments are subject to reference checks. Some roles may also require:
* National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014.
Apply
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 log in 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.
For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people: Link
What We Offer
* 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.
Why It 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 are focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It's work that really matters.
Requirements
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 time when you managed competing priorities and a high workload while still meeting required timeframes. How did you ensure your service delivery, including documentation, remain high‐quality and culturally safe for the young people, families, and stakeholders you were supporting?
* Provide an example of when you worked collaboratively with other professionals, community organisations, or culturally appropriate services to support a young person. What was your role, how did you apply culturally informed practice, and what was the outcome for the young person?
Application Closing
Applications close Sunday 8 March 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.
Contact
For more information about the role or what it's like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Bianca Shearer – Assistant Manager on 0429 278 249 or via Bianca.Shearer@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
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.
Thank You
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
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Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience.
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