Youth justice workers are the frontline staff who supervise and support young people in custody.

This is not a dedicated case management or youth work role. You will follow and promote important security procedures every day and be a positive role model for complex young people. You will also set boundaries and reinforce expected behaviours.

Your work will help young people get their lives back on track by:

• creating a safe and secure environment for both staff and young people
• helping young people establish healthy routines and work to a daily structure
• redirecting anti-social and challenging behaviour to the standards expected by the community
• responding to incidents as they occur
• helping young people develop positive family and peer relationships
• facilitating support from other services, including health and mental health providers, educators and disability organisations.

What you will get

This job can be tough. At times, the pressure will feel relentless and your resilience will be tested.

However, if you commit to putting in the hard work, you will see young people make small shifts in their thinking that can have a major impact on their lives.

You will be guided by supportive senior leaders and mentors, backed by a skilled team of fellow youth justice workers.

Our training and development program will also set you up to be an influential role model from your first day.

You will receive:

• 9 weeks of fully paid training
• a fair salary with generous penalty rates
• personalised professional development plans, and the chance to unlock countless career opportunities if you thrive in your role
• Extensive in-house clinical and peer support available through our staff-wellbeing programs
• 5 weeks of paid annual leave per year.

What we look for in new youth justice workers

Our recruiters search for a variety of personal characteristics when shortlisting candidates. These include:

• Dedication and resilience – you can maintain positivity and commitment even after setbacks.
• Life experience – you can adapt and manage challenging situations
• Passion and empathy – you're willing to work with young people from complex backgrounds to ensure their basic needs are met.
• Interpersonal skills – you can find common ground with young people and diffuse conflict.
• Problem solving – you can make smart decisions quickly.

Career information sessions

Register for one of our online career Q&A sessions at justice.vic.gov.au/youthjusticecareers

This is a great opportunity to ask questions about day-to-day work at our youth justice precincts and better understand the career pathways available.