Youth Diversion Officer (Case Worker) Section 50(d)
Full Time Fixed Term contract to 31 December 2026
Salary commensurate with experience $83,136 to $101,849 (from 1 July 2026) per annum, plus superannuation applicable regional allowances
Attractive employee benefits including salary packaging
Generous leave provisions of 5 weeks annual leave plus leave loading
2 weeks additional paid leave for end of year closure
Access to additional paid leave for well‐being
Aboriginality is a genuine qualification for this position as per section 50(d) of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1984.
About the role
The Aboriginal Legal Service of WA Limited (ALSWA) is funded by the Department of Justice to provide a Youth Engagement Program in West Kimberley (YEP‐WK) which has been operating since February 2021. YEP also delivers a Youth Engagement Program in Perth metropolitan (YEP‐M), East Kimberley – Kununurra and Halls Creek (YEP‐EK and YEP‐HC) and Geraldton (YEP‐GER).
YEP‐WK employs up to three Aboriginal Youth Diversion Officers (male and female) located at the Broome ALSWA office to provide support for eligible ALSWA clients appearing in the Broome and Derby Children's Courts. YEP provides culturally competent, holistic, individualised and flexible support to young people to assist them in complying with the requirements of their bail and other court orders. More broadly, the program aims to reduce offending and improve young people's well‐being and prospects.
The Youth Diversion Officers provide support to eligible YEP clients through case management, mentoring, court support, advocacy, referrals to external programs and services, and practical assistance. This includes support for young people to re‐engage in education and participate in therapeutic programmes. Youth Diversion Officers are collaboratively with Youth Justice and other local agencies and stakeholders.
You will be required to attend the Children's Courts, conduct appointments via phone or MS Teams with clients in Banksia Hill Detention Centre, and conduct home visits to clients on a regular basis (including visits to remote communities). In addition, you will provide support to clients with transport to court and to attend appointments. You will refer clients to appropriate programmes in the community and provide ongoing mentoring to ensure that the young people engage in programmes and comply with their court requirements. You will liaise with key stakeholders including Youth Justice Services and perform administrative duties and other duties as directed.
About you
To be considered for this role, you will need to meet the following criteria:
* Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people, particularly Aboriginal young people, and to work with Aboriginal people with an appropriate level of cultural understanding, empathy and sensitivity.
* Highly developed communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
* Ability to think critically and demonstrated ability to solve problems.
* Demonstrated high‐level organisational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure.
* Ability to travel when required.
* Demonstrated commitment to child safety.
* Ability to confidently use workplace technology (including databases for client management).
* Valid driver's licence.
* Ability to obtain a Working with Children Check, National Police Clearance and Department of Justice Clearance.
Other desirable skills and experience include
* A sound knowledge of issues relating to the involvement of Aboriginal children in the youth justice system and a general understanding of the youth justice and/or legal system, including some knowledge of court procedure and court etiquette.
* A sound understanding of the issues affecting the Aboriginal community especially in the West Kimberley.
* Knowledge of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other stakeholders within the community that can assist with meeting the objectives of YEP.
* Qualifications in social work, youth work or similar fields and/or relevant experience working in community support services.
About our benefits
We have a friendly, caring and diverse work environment. We offer attractive employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax‐free), free counselling services to employees and immediate family through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development. We also provide 5 weeks annual leave per year plus leave loading, 2 weeks additional paid leave for end of year closure, and access to additional paid leave for health and well‐being.
About us
ALSWA is a not‐for‐profit, independent, government‐funded Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation working to provide high‐quality representation and assistance to the Aboriginal community in WA.
We aim to deliver a quality legal service and education that contributes to the participation, empowerment and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout WA.
ALSWA has 11 offices across regional WA and practices in the areas of criminal, civil and human rights, and family law, as well as law reform, community legal education and programmes including the Custody Notification Service (CNS), Custody Wellbeing Service (CWS), Youth Engagement Program (YEP), Bail Support Service/Prison In‐Reach Legal Service (BSS/PIR), Old Ways New Ways (OWNW), and the Work and Development Permit Service (WDPS). We live our values of caring, sharing and respect.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are seeking to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the differing needs of our clients and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our employees. ALSWA strongly encourages applications from Indigenous Australians. We provide an environment that values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential.
Closing Date
Closing Date – 21 June 2026.
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