Malmsbury Youth Justice Precinct is located in the historic Victorian gold rush region and is scheduled to re-open in 2026.
The facility will house a small group of young men in custody (young people) aged 17 and over. As a youth justice worker, you will guide them through their rehabilitation by role modelling positive behaviour and keeping the environment safe.
You will also encourage them to get involved in hands-on programs which build real skills and a better chance of finding meaningful work when they return to the community.
This is not a dedicated case management or youth work role. You will follow and promote important security procedures every day and be a positive role model for complex young people. You will also set boundaries and reinforce expected behaviours.
Your work will help young people get their lives back on track by:
* creating a safe and secure environment for both staff and young people
* helping young people establish healthy routines and work to a daily structure
* redirecting anti-social and challenging behaviour to the standards expected by the community
* responding to incidents as they occur
* helping young people develop positive family and peer relationships
* facilitating support from other services, including health and mental health providers, educators and disability organisations.
What you will get
This job can be tough. At times, the pressure will feel relentless and your resilience will be tested.
However, if you commit to putting in the hard work, you will see young people make small shifts in their thinking that can have a major impact on their lives.
You will be guided by supportive senior leaders and mentors, backed by a skilled team of fellow youth justice workers.
Our training and development program will also set you up to be an influential role model from your first day.
You will receive:
* up to $10K in relocation reimbursement for eligible candidates
* 9 weeks of fully paid training
* a fair salary with generous penalty rates
* personalised professional development plans, and the chance to unlock countless career opportunities if you thrive in your role
* Extensive in-house clinical and peer support available through our staff-wellbeing programs
* 5 weeks of paid annual leave per year.
What we look for in new youth justice workers
Our recruiters search for a variety of personal characteristics when shortlisting candidates. These include:
* Dedication and resilience – you can maintain positivity and commitment even after setbacks.
* Life experience – you can adapt and manage challenging situations
* Passion and empathy – you're willing to work with young people from complex backgrounds to ensure their basic needs are met.
* Interpersonal skills – you can find common ground with young people and diffuse conflict.
* Problem solving – you can make smart decisions quickly.
* Australian citizenship is required for this government position.
* Both a police check and working with children check are required before commencing employment.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply.