Youth Justice Caseworker -Kempsey & Coffs Harbour Youth Justice Community Office

Company description:

Department of Communities and Justice

Job description:

Youth Justice Caseworker - 2 locations

Kempsey Youth Justice Community Office

Coffs Harbour Youth Justice Community Office

Youth Justice

• Temporary, Full time up to 31 December 2024 based at Kempsey.
• Temporary, Full time up to 31 December 2024 based at Coffs Harbour
• Clerk Grade 6/7, Salary ($100,011 - $109,194 pa), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

The Department of Communities and Justice acknowledges lived experience and how it contributes to the valuable work we do with the community.

We strongly encourage and support applications from people who are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. While all applicants are welcome, once we have determined through merit-based assessment which candidates meet the pre-established standards of the role, preference will be given to candidates who meet the established standards of the role and are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Your role

Kempsey and Coffs Harbour Youth Justice Community Offices are looking for a Youth Justice Caseworker at each site to provide front line services to young people at their Community Office.

This involves providing a range of quality externally and internally sourced services to detainees, Youth Justice conferencing clients, victims of crime and court mandated young people and their families. The role is part of a multi-disciplined team that aims to reduce re-offending of young people, enhance their functioning and support reintegration into their families and the community.

What you'll do

• Undertake case management activities that target appropriate areas of need/risk to the young person re-offending. This includes case planning, organising and facilitating case conferences and delivering offence focused intervention programs to young people.
• Work collaboratively with Youth Justice staff such as other YJ Caseworkers, Youth Officers and Psychologists, along with a range of government and non-government stakeholders to connect young people to services appropriate to their individual case plan and monitor the progress of the young person.
• Work closely with courts, parole authorities, review panels and legal professionals and provide clear and concise advice, briefings, reports and other formal written communication for internal and external stakeholders.
• Use detailed structured screening and assessment tools to identify the risks and needs of young people and determine the level and types of interventions/programs required, including family and crisis interventions.
• Monitor outcome plans and case plans for compliance and progress in line with required operational standards and take appropriate actions.
• Maintain accurate records and data integrity of relevant information systems to ensure accurate, up to date client information is available to support effective case management, planning, decision making and quality assurance.
• Provide young people and their families with the tools, information and support to create positive change in their lives and contribute more productively within their community.
• Contribute to the therapeutic nature of Youth Justice services including behaviour management of young people and reflective practice with staff.
• Adapt to changes and comply with Departmental policies, procedures, standards and best practice guidelines.

What we're looking for

• Relevant tertiary qualifications (diploma or higher) in social work, welfare, psychology, criminology, education or related field or equivalent experience.
• Current NSW Working with Children Clearance
• Current Driver's Licence
• Regional and rural based Youth Justice Caseworkers travel larger distances to meet with clients.

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
• Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012

Download the role description.

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

• Provide an example of when you have worked with a young person/client who has presented with challenging behaviours. How did you respond and what was the outcome?
• Tell us about a specific time when you had to handle a tough problem which challenged fairness or ethical issues. What did you do? What was the outcome?

Applications close 19 April 2024 at 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it's like to work for DCJ, please contact Angela Scott on 0475 808 *** or via ************@dcj.nsw.gov.au

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, please call Lisa Smith on 02 8688 1*** or via ***********@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.

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

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

Profile description:

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is the lead agency under the Stronger Communities Cluster. DCJ works to enable everyone's right to access justice and help for families through early intervention and inclusion, with benefits for the whole community. Stronger Communities is focussed on achieving safe, just, inclusive and resilient communities by providing services that are effective and responsive to community needs.

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.