Overview Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time Salary: $92,684 - $103,302 Grade: YJW 3 Occupation: Prison and corrective services Location: Loddon Mallee - Macedon Ranges Reference: DJCS/ At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we’re looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work. People who get things done. People who are committed to making Victoria a safer place.
We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you.
The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children’s rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers
We’re proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?
* Lead a skilled team supporting young people in custody.
* Create a safe, structured unit focused on behaviour change.
* Several positions available.
* Guide staff through complex and challenging situations.
* Ongoing, full-time role earning $92,684 to $103,302 per year, plus penalty rates and super.
What you will do
As a Unit Supervisor, you will lead a team of youth justice workers in a secure custodial setting. You will create a structured environment where young people can build skills, improve behaviour and prepare for life back in the community. You will:
* provide clear leadership and daily oversight to youth justice workers supporting young people with routines, education and programs
* maintain a safe and secure unit by applying operational safety training and managing dynamic risk
* deliver live and formal supervision and continue a culture of ongoing learning and accountability
* support education participation and structured rehabilitation programs that promote positive development
* provide specialist advice on complex behaviours and case matters.
About you Many unit supervisors step up from youth justice worker roles. Others bring leadership experience from elsewhere. Either way, you're going to need a particular mix of attributes to thrive. You should have:
* experience leading a therapeutic setting where young people feel safe, supported and challenged to improve
* demonstrated skill engaging meaningfully with young people and managing complex behaviours using positive strategies
* resilience and confidence providing honest feedback and leading difficult conversations
* strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills in high pressure situations
* ability to lead inclusive teams, strengthen staff skills and build productive working relationships both inside and outside the department.
You also need a current employee Working with Children Check and first aid certificate before you start. A qualification in psychology, education, allied health, criminology, youth work, justice or community services is highly desirable, but not essential. About Malmsbury Malmsbury Youth Justice Precinct (Malmsbury) is reopening in 2026. It will accommodate a small cohort of young men aged 17 and over. It is located in the Malmsbury town centre, a village in the historic Victorian gold rush region. Malmsbury features:
* refurbished vocational and education facilities to deliver job-readiness training
* workshops and grounds for young people to gain practical experience in maintenance and horticultural industries
* recreational facilities – including a pool, gym and basketball court – to help young people develop fitness and teamwork skills.
To learn even more about this role, please read the position description. If you have any further questions, feel free to email Nkem Okafor at Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about our Aboriginal workforce strategy. How to apply
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats. The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police c hecks and misconduct screening. If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad. 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. Applications close Sunday 29 March Posted 10 March 2026