Do you want to make a difference in the lives of young people?
Apply now to become a Youth Justice Officer!
If you would describe yourself as a capable, empathetic, passionate and resilient individual who is genuinely excited by the prospect of delivering guidance to young people and their families, then this is the opportunity for you!
Are you able to handle difficult circumstances and have a talent for supporting others when times are tough? Picture yourself using your interpersonal skills and personal drive to support young people on their journey to living fulfilling lives. This is a role where you will have the scope to explore new ways of promoting positive outcomes and where the small wins are just as important as bigger success.
As a Youth Justice Officer working in the regions, where applicable and dependant on the location the following may be available to you (District Allowance, Government Regional Officer Housing, Zone Tax Rebate). For further information and a comprehensive list of all additional benefits and allowances please refer to the attached information booklet.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply as we want you and your cultural knowledge to help us build and shape the Department’s service capability.
An informed applicant is an empowered applicant: do yourself a favour and come along to an information session! You will have an opportunity to learn more about the role, the recruitment process and have a chance to speak with experienced staff. To book your free ticket see below under Information Sessions.
Eligibility to Apply
To apply to be a Youth Justice Officer, you will need:
- A current C class drivers’ licence (automatic licence is acceptable)
- Possess a current Working with Children Check (or be willing to successfully apply for one to be eligible for appointment to this position)
Regional requirements include:
- A willingness to fulfill requirements of working in a regional office, and to be away from home for periods of time to undertake regional and remote travel
- To be available for out-of-hours duties as per the Award
- To be prepared to travel via airplane (including light aircraft) to service regional locations.
All employees are required to undergo employment screening, which includes a National Criminal History Check and other checks that may be relevant to the position requirements.
Information Sessions
One of the best ways to find out about the various aspects to this multi-faceted role is by attending one of our Information Sessions. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the role, the selection process and interact with experienced staff who work within the Youth Justice Centres.
Information Sessions will be held at various locations across the state. Session dates and times are available when booking. To book a session near you or attend an online session, Click here to reserve your free ticket. Contact Tanja by email to tanja.carson@justice.wa.gov.au if you experience difficulties with booking online.
How to Apply
Submit your online application by including:
- A current comprehensive Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Please include details of two referees who are your current or recent direct line Supervisor or Manager.
- During the online application process, you will need to respond to three questions relating to role specific responsibilities (see below). To be competitive, we suggest providing your strongest examples to address the criteria. Please answer each question in 250 words or less:
- What makes you well suited to the role of a Youth Justice Officer? Describe your background and experience
- Provide an example of when you worked with a young person and their family to achieve positive outcomes
- What are some of the challenges culturally diverse groups including Aboriginal young people and their families in the youth justice system may face? What skills and knowledge will you bring to build positive and supportive relationships?
Applications must be received by Thursday, 30 April 2026. To avoid missing out on this opportunity, ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.
To submit your application, click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this page. Emailed and posted applications will not be accepted.
Pool Recruitment
Successful applicants will be placed in an Appointment Pool, and over a 24 month period may be offered similar vacancies at level that are: Permanent - full time, part time; or Fixed Term Contract - full time, part time, at regional offices and other Youth Justice Service branches and offices throughout the State as required.
The Department of Justice uses recruitment pools to build a bank of talent for future opportunities. When part of a pool you may be offered a permanent or temporary position, however an appointment is not guaranteed. Applicants found suitable in this pool, may be considered for subsequent, similar vacancies at similar locations, with the Department of Justice for the duration of the pool.
Equity and Diversity
The Department of Justice is committed in 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.
For culturally appropriate advice, Aboriginal job seekers may contact the Aboriginal Workforce Development Team by email: aboriginalworkforcedevelopment@justice.wa.gov.au or phone: (08) 9264 1700. Alternatively, if you would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA by phone on 13 64 64.
Applicants with disability requiring adjustment or accessibility requirements at any stage of the selection process can contact the hiring manager as listed under the ‘Contact us’ section.
Contact us
For further information about the role and the selection process, please email YJOrecruitment@justice.wa.gov.au or contact Tanja Carson on (08) 9264 6656 (available on Mondays, Tuesdays and every second Wednesday) or Kieran Darcy on (08) 6241 5600.
