Salary Range: 67,589-72,033
Classification: OPX3
Engagement Type: Term Contract
Closing Date: 26 Jun 2026
Role Highlights
* Have an impact on the youth of South Australia
* Work with a dynamic and enthusiastic team
Here at the Department of Human Services (DHS), we strive to deliver modern programs, services and policy that strengthen communities and enable South Australians to actively participate in community life. With people at the heart of what we do and a commitment to child safety, ageing well and supporting people with disability, we work to increase inclusion, independence and decision‐making, and help our communities when it matters most.
Our Youth Justice and Inclusion Support team is responsible for tertiary elements of the youth justice system, including custodial and community‐based supervision and support. Through program and service development and delivery, they help children and young people with their rehabilitation and to reconnect with their family and culture.
This is a unique opportunity to create a safe and supportive custodial environment where young people can thrive. The role focuses on building social and life skills, guiding positive behaviour change, and supporting successful transitions back into the community. It involves delivering programs that promote development and rehabilitation, strengthening family care connections, and ensuring access to education along with cultural, sporting, and social activities. If you are recommended and placed in our Employment Pool, your application will remain active for 12 months. You could be contacted at any time during this period and offered an opportunity to commence employment with us (which includes induction and training).
What We Are Looking For
* a genuine interest in working with children and young people, with a commitment to making a positive impact on their lives
* calm, empathetic, and level‐headed individuals who can build trust and connect naturally with young people
* people with diverse backgrounds – such as coaching, mentoring, or working with Aboriginal communities – or life experience that inspires a desire to help others
* resilience, adaptability, and a passion for supporting young people to thrive and reach their potential.
What We Offer
* employment at the OPS3 level: $67,589 - $72,033 per annum (shift penalties will apply which can increase your salary by up to $15,000 per annum)
* a meaningful career opportunity in a values‐based organisation
* on the job training and continuous learning
* opportunities for career progression.
Location
Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre in Cavan (Adelaide) is a custodial facility that provides a safe and secure environment for young people aged 10 to 21 years, who are either in custody or are refused police bail. Consistent with international best practice, the Centre utilises a state‐of‐the‐art security system, allowing an open campus environment that supports rehabilitation, learning, participation and social development. The facility has undergone significant upgrades, that will deliver cutting edge facilities that consider both the physical and psychological impacts of a custodial environment on young people.
Special Conditions
To Apply You Must
* hold a current Senior First Aid certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to an offer of employment
* hold a current Australian driver's licence (full licence, minimum class 'C' – South Australian) and be willing and able to drive all government vehicles within your licence classification during the course of your duties
* undergo and maintain a 'suitable' psychological assessment to work at Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre (or any other training centre established under the Youth Justice Administration Act 2016)
* undertake relevant medical and functional assessments to ensure your safety and suitability to support young people in a crisis
* gain a National Police Check (NPC) and Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Related Employment Screening (Working with Children Check) prior to commencing employment and during your employment
* be available for shift work including nights, weekends, and public holidays. The start and finish times may vary, however as a Youth Worker you will be required to work across on the AM (6:50am to 3:00pm), PM (2:50pm to 11:00pm) shifts
DHS is committed to making our services and workplaces safe and inclusive for all people and ensuring thefull diversity of the communities we serve are represented in our workforce, including Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander people, people with disability and/or neurodivergence, young people, older people,culturally and linguistically diverse people, LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse people.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier‐free recruitment process.If you require assistance with this process,please contact us at dhsrecruitment@sa.gov.au and a member of the team will get back to you.
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part time.Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible working arrangements for this role.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.We also celebrate the many strengths and skills people with disability and/or neurodivergent people bring toour workplace and acknowledge our role in ensuring a supportive work environment for people with disability and/orneurodivergent people to thrive in.
Application Instructions
Resume and Cover Letter
You are required to submit a cover letter, up to a maximum of two pages,addressing how your skills, attributes and experience meet the role specific capabilities and attach your current resume via the online application form. For more information about applying, refer to ourJob Application Guide
Screening Checks
If you are new to the department and are invited to an interview, you will be required to produce a National Police Check, which has been issued within six months of your application for the role. National Police Checks can be applied for via theSouth Australia Police or through an Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission accredited body .If the role you are applying for also requires an Employment-related Screening Check, you will be required to undergo such assessment as is advised by DHS, including periodic assessment during your employment.
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