Aboriginal Senior Project Officer (ASCU),
Youth Justice
* Temporary full time up to until October 2028
* Location: Hybrid, based at 6 Parramatta Square - Parramatta
* Clerk Grade 9/10 Salary ($129,464 - $142,665 pa), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
This position is open to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only
About us
Youth Justice, New South Wales (YJNSW) is in a period of significant reform, and is committed to delivering improved services. We will continue to adapt our service system to better meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities, in accordance with Closing the Gap, Target 11 and the Closing the Gap priority reforms.
Youth Justice acknowledges the importance of lived experience and how it contributes to the valuable work we do with the community.
Our commitment includes working towards an anti-racist workforce which is based on the principles of cultural humility and respect.
Your role
We are looking for a Senior Aboriginal Project Officer to join the Aboriginal Strategic Coordination Unit (ASCU). This position will play a pivotal role in ASCU and within Youth Justice, by focusing on advancing Target 11 and the Priority Reforms of the Closing the Gap framework, aiming to improve outcomes.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities, stakeholders, and government agencies to continue to improve the employment of Aboriginal people in Youth Justice, through the review of current initiatives and development of new initiatives.
What you’ll do
* Develop and maintain relationships with the Aboriginal community and key stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
* Manage and implement a variety of projects aligned with the Aboriginal Strategic Coordination Unit business plan and Youth Justice Strategic Plan
* Oversee major aspects of project management, including monitoring project plans, coordinating resources, and managing budgets effectively.
* Conduct research and analysis to support the development of key projects within the Aboriginal Strategic Coordination Unit’s core business areas
* Manage projects aimed at reviewing, monitoring, and improving the effectiveness of program development and service delivery for Aboriginal clients
* Provide timely updates and communication to key stakeholders within Youth Justice regarding project status and any implementation issues.
* Offer high-level advice and support to project team members in executing tasks and implementing project plans.
* Prepare various project-related documents for stakeholders, including status updates, reports, budgets, and Briefing Notes
What we’re looking for
* NSW Working with Children Check clearance for paid employment.
In addition to the above essential requirement, the successful applicant will desirably possess
* A demonstrated and ongoing commitment to anti-racism
* Strong relationship-building skills to engage effectively and culturally appropriate with the Aboriginal community and stakeholders.
* Proven project management experience, including the ability to manage timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
* Analytical skills to conduct research and provide insights that support project development.
* Experience in monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness, particularly in relation to Aboriginal clients.
* Excellent communication skills for providing updates and advice to stakeholders and team members.
* Ability to prepare comprehensive project documentation and reports.
* Capacity to work independently and manage competing priorities while seeking guidance when necessary.
* Knowledge of relevant legislation and issues affecting young people in custody to ensure compliance with government policies and objectives.
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.
There are two alternatives to confirming your Aboriginality, one of which must be uploaded to be considered for the role as follows. Either will be accepted:
* Confirmation of Aboriginality form
Or
* Written confirmation from 2-3 Aboriginal organisations within the community in which you live/work, which addresses the three criteria listed below:
* is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
* identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
* is accepted as a such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
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.
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 login 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 https://www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers-at-dcj/pathways/careers-for-aboriginal-people.html
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 time you built and maintained strong relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities and key stakeholders to deliver a project or initiative. What did you do to ensure culturally safe engagement, and what outcomes did you achieve
* Please provide an example of a complex project you managed from planning through to implementation. How did you research and analysis to inform your approach, manage risks and ensure the project was delivered within scope and timeframe.
Applications close 08 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
* Janice Raveneau on 0428 648 003 or janiceanne.raveneau@dcj.nsw.gov.au (From 4th February 2026 to 15th February 2026)
* Sara Dootson on 0428 648 003 or via sara.dootson@dcj.nsw.gov.au (From 16th February 2026 to 8th March 2026)
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 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 for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
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The Welcome Experience
Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience
The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW’ page.