Youth Justice Caseworker - Tamworth Youth Justice Community Office, YJ

Youth Justice Caseworker –

Tamworth Youth Justice Community Office,

Youth Justice

• Temporary, Full time up to 6 months
• Location: Tamworth
• 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

Provide front line services to young people at a Youth Justice Centre or 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

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.

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:

• What do you believe is essential to deliver high quality client focused services and how have you ensured you do this in your current or previous roles?

• Please detail partnerships you have developed with external agencies and services, including Aboriginal specific agencies and the benefits you have experienced of having strong networking skills.

Applications close  7 April 2024 at 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

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.

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.