This recruitment pool will run for a period of twelve (12) months and may be used to fill ongoing fixed term contracts and permanent opportunities available in metropolitan and regional locations.

There are currently multiple vacancies across the State, including positions in Halls Creek, Bunbury, and the Case Planning and Programs Unit at Banksia Hill. A potential vacancy is also anticipated in Kalgoorlie in the new year.

Searching for a career where you can make a real difference? Apply now to become a Senior Youth Justice Officer or Senior Case Manager.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. We value your cultural knowledge, experience and perspectives, and welcome the opportunity to strengthen and enhance the Department’s service capability through a diverse and inclusive workforce.

About the role

As a Senior Youth Justice Officer or Senior Case Manager, you will play a vital role in supporting young people involved in the justice system to achieve positive and lasting change.

While Senior Youth Justice Officers are based in the community across metropolitan and regional Western Australia, and Senior Case Managers are based in youth detention, both are responsible for coordinating the case management of young people involved with the justice system. 

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and their families. You will have the opportunity to influence practice, contribute to innovative approaches and support positive change across the youth justice system. While the work can be challenging, it also offers the satisfaction of seeing young people grow, overcome barriers and realise their potential.

Please note:

• Senior Case Managers operate on a rostered shift basis and may require the successful applicant to work weekends and public holidays.
• Regional Senior Youth Justice Officers may be required to be on an on-call roster and perform out-of-hours duties in accordance with the applicable Award. They will be required to work within a regional office environment and undertake travel to regional and remote communities, including being away from home for extended periods when required. Travel by road and air may be required, including on commercial and light aircraft, to service regional locations.

Assessment Criteria

Through the recruitment process, we will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate skills, experience and attributes in relation to the following:

• Cultural Competence – The Young People Directorate is committed to working towards a youth justice system that is culturally secure, safe and responsive for Aboriginal young people, families and communities across the state. Applicants need to understand the impact of colonization and intergenerational trauma, demonstrate knowledge and experience of applying culturally effective practices within a case management framework, be capable of and committed to cultural humility, and champion for the cultural empowerment for young people and their families.
• Communicate Effectively – the role requires strong and effective written and verbal communication with a wide range of stakeholders and across contexts, so we are looking for people who can present messages confidently, actively listen and adapt communication style to a range of audiences. Specifically, we are looking for applicants who can:
  • Effectively write reports for Courts and Releasing authorities, and represent the Department in Court as required;
  • Effectively communicate with complex young people and their families, from a wide range of backgrounds;
  • Communicate with a range of stakeholders to support effective case management. This will include chairing collaborative interagency case management meetings, some of which may include attendance by the young person, their family and victims.
• Case Management of Young People Addressing Offending Behaviour – As senior roles responsible for case management of young people in contact with the justice system, candidates will need to demonstrate extensive case management experience. This should include completion of assessments in relation to risk and need, developing a case management plan based on this assessment, providing support and structured intervention to young people and their families, and making / coordinating relevant referrals and brokerage. 
• Builds Productive Relationships – Effective case management requires an ability to build productive relationships to achieve desired outcomes. This includes:
  • Being able to build an effective and productive relationship with the young person and their families.
  • The capacity to network effectively to build and sustain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to support the best outcomes for young people. This includes working collaboratively with other staff within the Young People Directorate, as well as external service providers, community organisations and other professionals involved with the young person. 
• Knowledge – Applicants will be required to demonstrate knowledge in relation to the legislative framework under which we operate and understand the complexity and needs of the young people who are engaged with the justice system. This includes the Young Offenders Act, Young Offenders Regulations, Children’s Court of WA Act, Bail Act, Sentencing Act and Sentence Administration Act.

Eligibility

Special conditions

• WWC positions – In accordance with the National Child Safety Principles, people who work directly with children and young people, you must have a current Working with Children Check or be able to successfully apply for one to be eligible for appointment to this position.
• A current manual driver’s licence (class C)

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Social or Behavioural Sciences. (Desirable)

Benefits and opportunities

• Flexible working arrangements
• Career pathway opportunities
• Learning and development opportunity programs
• Health and wellbeing programs including Fitness passport providing a wide range of gym, pool, and fitness Centre discounts available for employees and their families.
• For employees working in eligible regional locations, additional benefits may be available, including District Allowance, Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) and the Zone Tax Offset.
• Check out the attached Applicant Information Pack to find out other benefits of working for Justice.

Application process

How to apply

Please ensure you review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) for further information about the requirements of the position. This information will assist you with the preparation of your application.

We require you to submit:

1. A comprehensive Resume / Curriculum Vitae that clearly outlines your transferable skills, experience and highlights your key achievements in relation to the above Assessment Criteria.
2. Contact details of two (2) work related referees, one (1) of whom should be your current/ most recent supervisor/manager.
3. A one (1) page statement addressing your relevant experience and overall suitability for the role(s), in line with the assessment criteria outlined in this advert.
4. Please also indicate your location preferences (metropolitan or regional, up to two (2) preferred locations), if applicable.

Pool Recruitment

This pool will be open for a period of 12 months from the day after the breach of standard claim period closes. Permanent, fixed term, full time and part time appointments may be offered as vacancies arise; however, an appointment is not guaranteed.

The Department of Justice uses recruitment pools to build a bank of talent for future opportunities. Applicants found suitable in this pool, may be considered for subsequent, similar vacancies, with the Department of Justice across Western Australia for the duration of the pool.

For further job-related information

If you would like further information regarding the vacancy please contact Tanja Carson, A/Principal Project Officer on (08) 9264 6230 (available on Mondays and Tuesdays), or email Tanja.Carson@justice.wa.gov.au .

Equity and Diversity

The Department of Justice is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace that reflects the community we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants can access support by following this link. 

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. For a confidential discussion about support or adjustments, please contact the person listed above or email workforcediversity@justice.wa.gov.au. 

Submitting your application

To submit your application, click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this advertisement.

Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.

If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone RAMS Helpdesk ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com on 1300 733 056 for assistance.

To keep you up to date on what is happening in Department of Justice and job opportunities you can go directly to the departments website or follow us on social media.

The Department of Justice has introduced a smoke-free policy, which has been fully implemented across all women’s prisons and the Academy, with all other prison sites to follow.