Department: Psychological & Specialist Services
Department/Agency: Department of Communities and Justice
Location:
Kariong, NSW, AU, 2250
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Req ID: 86177
Occupational Therapist - Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre,
Youth Justice
Temporary Part-Time (17.5 hours per week) up to 12 months
Location: Kariong
Grade 1 - 4, Salary ($78,000 - $125,500 pro rata) plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
This is a targeted recruitment.
While all applicants are welcome, preference will be given to candidates who meet the established standards of the role and are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. This is because the Department acknowledges this lived experience contributes a perspective valuable to our work with this community.
Your role
The Occupational Therapist works as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Enhanced Support Unit (ESU) at Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre (FBJYC). The ESU provides individualised multidisciplinary assessments and interventions to complex and high-needs young people in YJNSW.
The ESU is designed to support positive behaviour change and takes a rehabilitative, therapeutic and trauma informed approach. Practices in the ESU are underpinned by the Attachment, Regulation and Competency Framework (ARC) which supports staff to promote healthy development and lasting change in young people through attuning to emotions, understanding functions of behaviour and responding in a way that supports the development of self-regulation skills.
What you’ll do
Provide best practice and specialist Occupational Therapy support services to young people, their families and carers to improve client outcomes.
Support young people to develop the functional, social and self-regulation skills required to improve engagement, wellbeing and rehabilitation outcomes.
Manage a caseload of young people who have involvement with the youth justice system and measure the outcome of intervention strategies to ensure appropriate support is provided and positive outcomes are achieved.
Work collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team and in partnership with other services to support planning, building team cohesiveness and resolving issues.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with public sector agencies, non-government organisations and community groups to facilitate a person-centred approach in developing and delivering intervention programs.
What we’re looking for
Degree in Occupational Therapy from a recognised tertiary institution.
Current occupational therapy registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
Current, valid driver’s licence and a willingness to drive.
Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
Appointments are subject to reference checks. Some roles may also require the following checks/ clearances:
National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014
We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.
Download the role description.
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To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now’ button.
What We Offer
We offer a variety of benefits, including:
A challenging and rewarding career
Flexible, autonomous work environment
Competitive pay and conditions
Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.
Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.
We do work that really matters
Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.
Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!
Are you ready to join us?
Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the focus capabilities & requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).
Applications close 29 September 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.
Got a question?
For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Erin Hyde - Clinical Manager on 0427 835 882 or via
[email protected]
If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Lisa Smith on 0456 199 105 or via
[email protected]
Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.
Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit
We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.
To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.
Other Information
A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.
For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/
The Welcome Experience
Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience
The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW’ page.
