Looking for purpose? Shape Futures. Create change.
Become a Youth Custodial Officer.
If you’re ready for a role with purpose, challenge and genuine impact, this is your chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people within the justice system.
We have two training courses coming up – July and September 2026.
Early applicants will be prioritised for the July intake, so get your application in now!
Become part of a people-focused organisation dedicated to creating a safer, fairer community. We offer diverse opportunities across Western Australia to make a difference in local communities.
As a Youth Custodial Officer, you will have many employment benefits and personal development opportunities including on-the-job training and a nationally accredited qualification (paid for by the Department).
- 13 weeks paid training
- Complete a Certificate III in Correctional Practice
- Work-life balance – 10 shifts over a 21 day roster
- Up to 9 weeks leave per year
- Career advancement with promotional potential
- Uniforms supplied
About the role
The Department of Justice is looking for people that want to play a key role in supporting positive outcomes and fostering growth for young people in detention at Banksia Hill Detention Centre in Canning Vale, Western Australia.
As a Youth Custodial Officer, you will be part of a team working alongside education, health, vocational and cultural professionals to play an important role in improving outcomes for young people in detention. The right people for this job are resilient and enjoy working with young people – you may have done this professionally, voluntarily, through your family network or from other experiences.
About you
Do you bring resilience, maturity, compassion and empathy to your work? As a Youth Custodial Officer, you’ll be part of a committed team supporting young people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Your ability to stay calm, defuse conflict and lead with confidence will set you apart.
We are seeking applicants who can demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills to build positive, respectful relationships with young people at Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
- A practical, common‑sense approach to problem‑solving, with the ability to think on your feet in fast‑changing situations.
- Effective teamwork skills, working collaboratively with colleagues and young people to achieve personal and professional goals.
- An understanding of Aboriginal people, their culture, and the importance of culturally responsive practice.
Youth Custodial Officers play a vital role in the lives of young people and their families, many of whom have experienced significant trauma. You will be a positive role model—balancing care with control, offering empathy and encouragement while maintaining clear boundaries to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
You will implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (Details are included in the Youth Custodial Officer Information Booklet) into everything you do to ensure young people are safe and encouraged to lead law-abiding, productive lives in a culturally supportive way.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible to apply for this role, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
- Hold a current Australian C-Class driver’s licence or equivalent with no restrictions (an automatic licence is acceptable, however, no L-Plates, P-Plates or E-Plates).
- Applicants must be able to successfully apply for a Working with Children Check or have a current Working with Children Check to be eligible for appointment to this position.
- Former employees only: must not have had an unsuccessful re-engagement application or had their employment terminated from a custodial role within the Department.
All employees must complete employment screening, including a National Criminal History Check and any other checks relevant to the role. These assessments are conducted by the Department.
Further Information
For details about the process, requirements, and other benefits, please refer to the Youth Custodial Officer Information Booklet.
You’re also encouraged to join one of our Information Sessions to learn more about the Youth Custodial Officer role. It’s a great chance to ask questions, understand the selection process and benefits, and hear directly from staff at Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
Sessions are offered both in person and online via Teams giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
Don’t miss out – secure your free ticket and reserve your spot today.
For session details and to register, please click here.
If you experience difficulty with booking online, please contact Recruitment at recruitment@justice.wa.gov.au.
How to apply
This is a highly competitive process. Therefore, prior to submitting your application, it is important you read the Youth Custodial Officer Information Booklet, Physical Readiness Test Guide and Job Description Form (JDF)
During the application process, we require you to submit:
- A current, comprehensive resume/CV that clearly outlines your transferable skills, experience and highlights your key achievements against the role’s JDF.
- Upload a copy of your current Australian drivers licence, or equivalent (note that an automatic licence is acceptable, however, no L-Plates, P-Plates or E-Plates).
- The details of two referees who are your current or recent direct line Supervisor or Manager.
Submitting your application
Applicants are requested to apply online. To submit your application, click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this advertisement. Emailed applications will not be accepted.
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 contact the RAMS Helpdesk on ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com or call 1300 733 056 for assistance.
Pool Recruitment
The Department of Justice uses recruitment pools to build a bank of talent to fill vacancies for future intakes.
Applicants found suitable in this pool, may be considered for subsequent vacancies with the Department of Justice for the duration of the pool. This pool will be open for a period of twelve (12) months from the day after the breach of standard claim period closes.
Smoke Free Policy
The Department of Justice has introduced a smoke-free policy, which is fully implemented across the Corrective Services Academy and youth detention facilities.
Equity and Diversity
The Department of Justice is committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. We actively promote the employment of Aboriginal Australians, people with disability, youth, and other diversity groups. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace.
The Department of Justice respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land as being the first peoples of this country. We embrace the vast Aboriginal cultural diversity throughout Western Australia and understand the importance of fostering respectful partnerships with Aboriginal colleagues, clients, and those in our care. We are committed to building a workplace culture that values inclusion and diversity.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers may contact the Aboriginal Workforce Development Team on aboriginalworkforcedevelopment@justice.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9264 1700 for culturally appropriate application advice. Alternatively, you may also contact Jobs and Skills WA – Aboriginal Services on 13 64 64 or www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au
Applicants with disability requiring adjustment or accessibility requirements at any stage of the selection process can contact WorkforceDiversity@justice.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9264 1700 for a confidential discussion.
For further job-related information
If you would like further information about the role, please contact Deputy Superintendent Operations on (08) 9333 2206. All enquiries related to the recruitment and selection process should be directed to the Recruitment Team on recruitment@justice.wa.gov.au or call 1800 974 199 during business hours.
We look forward to receiving your application!
