AddressKurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre is a custodial facility that provides a safe and secure environment for young people in custody. 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.
If you have a passion for working with children and young people and would like to:
- support and mentor children and young people to thrive and increase opportunities to participate fully in their community
- provide opportunities for Aboriginal young people to connect to culture
- have a career that is challenging and highly rewarding; then this role could be your next career move!
The Youth Worker role is based at the Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre in Cavan. Kurlana Tapa is a safe and secure environment for young people aged 10+ years in custody or who are refused police bail. As a Youth Worker, you will be part of a team contributing to:
- maintaining an appropriate level of care, safety, and supervision in a custodial environment
- improving the social and living skills of children and young people in custody, and assist in their effective transition into the community and/or reunification/reconnection with their families, family-based care providers or other suitable care options
- assessing and responding to the individual needs of young people to increase their chances of successful positive behaviour change
- the delivery of programs and services, which facilitate the development and/or rehabilitation of young people
- ensuring young people have opportunities to experience education and opportunities for social, sporting, and cultural activities.
What we provide:
- Youth Workers are employed at the OPS3 level ($64,636 - $68,886 per annum). Shift penalties may apply which can increase your salary by up to $15,000 per annum.
- On the job training and continuous learning.
- Opportunities for career progression.
- Support to complete a Certificate IV in Youth Justice through the Stanton Institute (DHS’ Registered Training Organisation).
What we need from you:
- 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 (P2 or above and equivalent to 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.
- Completion of a Certificate IV in Youth Justice (fully funded by DHS) within the first 12 months of your employment to support and develop your practice in this role.
- Undergo and maintain a ‘suitable’ psychological assessment status within six months of employment to be employed 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.
- Work shift work which includes nights, weekends, and public holidays.
- Be vaccinated against COVID-19 with a TGA approved vaccine and provide proof of vaccination status prior to being appointed to the role.
About the Department:
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is one of South Australia’s most diverse Government departments. Our commitment is to create a society where all people feel valued and have access to quality services. Working for DHS is a hugely rewarding experience, whatever role you choose. We value our workforce and offer a wide variety of career prospects, flexibility, work-life balance, as well as promotional opportunities and excellent employment conditions.
Working in DHS you will:
- have access to salary sacrifice arrangements and superannuation benefits
- work in an environment where diversity is valued and individual contributions are recognised
- opportunity to gain tertiary qualifications funded by DHS through the Stanton Institute, our own Registered Training Organisation
- opportunity to participate in leadership programs
- have career pathways and opportunities to develop new skills through mobility and secondments.
About our recruitment process:
Due to the nature of the role, our recruitment process includes a variety of activities such as an initial phone screening interview, a behavioural interview, role play, and a group exercise. You may also be asked to undertake a personality questionnaire.
If you are recommended from your performance in these activities, two referees will be contacted, one being your current line manager or supervisor.
If you are successful in this process, you will be required to undertake a medical and functional assessment in addition to a psychological assessment to secure a contract in the Youth Worker role.
Our recruitment is ongoing, and you can apply at any time for this opportunity. Intakes vary depending on organisational needs.
If you are recommended and placed on 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 else do I need to know?
Before applying, review all the essential requirements and special conditions as detailed in the attached Role Description.
Children and young people in custody require attention and supervision at all times.
Our shifts rotate and include and AM, PM and active Night Shifts. The start and finish times may vary, however as a Youth Worker you will be required to work across only the AM (6:50am to 3pm), PM (2:50pm to 11pm) shifts. Shift work also involves working weekends and Public Holidays that attract generous penalty rates. You are strongly encouraged to consider this aspect of the role and whether it suits your current circumstances.
Special Conditions:
- National Police Check required.
- Employment-related Screening Check required.
- Some out of hours work may be required.
- Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required.
- Must hold a current Australian issued driver’s licence (equivalent to minimum class C).
- This role requires a Working With Children check.
Additional Information: You are required to submit a cover letter, up to a maximum of 2 pages, addressing how your skills, experience and capabilities align with the role description. You are also required to provide three work referees, one of whom must be your recent line manager, and attach your current resume via the online application form. For further information and how to apply for this role please visit our DHS website www.dhs.sa.gov.au/careers
Enquiries to: Emma Coley-Kennelly 0435 076 *** Email: ***************@sa.gov.au
Vacancy ID: 500016
Applications close: 24/02/2023
