- Oversee the operations, client service, compliance requirements and security of a custodial unit or neighbourhood.
- Provide professional advice and supervision to staff regarding management of young people and service delivery.
- Contribute to improving the outcomes of young people's futures.
The Department of Justice and Community Safety (Youth Justice) is responsible for the statutory supervision of young people in the criminal justice system in Victoria focusing on prevention, diversion, and early intervention as the most effective and fiscally responsible ways of reducing youth crime. As an area within the department, Youth Justice is committed to the demonstration of the Victorian Public Sector values. The values are: responsiveness, integrity, impartiality, accountability, respect, leadership and human rights.
Youth justice custodial centres accommodate young people aged 12-18 years who have been remanded or sentenced by the Criminal Division of the Children's Court, and some 18-21 year olds sentenced by Adult Courts to a youth justice custodial centre.
The three Youth Justice custodial precincts in Victoria are managed by the Department of Justice and Community Safety:
- Parkville Youth Justice Precinct is in the inner northern Melbourne suburb of Parkville, approximately five kilometres from the central business district.
- Cherry Creek Youth Justice Precinct located to the west of Werribee.
- Malmsbury Youth Justice Precinct located approximately 100 kilometres north of Melbourne.
The opportunity
- Multiple ongoing, full time positions based at the Malmsbury Youth Justice Precinct
- YJW4 role: $107,681 - $122,190 per year plus superannuation.
- Manage the overall day-to-day unit-based operations across a custodial unit or neighbourhood including oversight of the overarching safety and security, staffing logistics, monitoring and compliance of systems and processes, and management of young people.
- Provide leadership to the unit, delivering direction and supervision to staff, young people and general activities undertaken across the course of the shift, including daily routines, structured and recreational programmatic activities for young people, shift handover and reports to management.
- Provide professional services at an advanced level including evaluating, developing, and modifying behaviour management programs and providing expertise to resolve more complex cases.
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Advanced knowledge and expertise in adolescent development and in the assessment of and intervention in offending behaviour including an understanding of issues and complexities of the youth justice system.
- Demonstrated experience in the professional supervision and development of a team of staff including the day-to-day management of work organisation, budget, resources allocation and service delivery.
- A current full driver's license is required as travel across other Youth Justice Custodial Precincts is needed to respond to operational requirements.
A Diploma in a Youth Justice qualification is highly regarded in all Youth Justice Custodial Services direct care roles, a completed Certificate IV in Youth Justice is also desirable.
You will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) to be maintained by the employee for the period of employment.
To learn more about the type of skills you will need to thrive in this role, please read the position description.
What's in it for you?
You will be working for the Department of Justice and Community Safety, which is one arm of the Victorian State Government, a recognised top employer of choice nationally. All our staff work to the vision of a safe, just, innovative and thriving Victoria.
There are many advantages in working for the department, including:
- Job stability - position as a member of the Victorian Public Service (VPS).
- A fair salary- enjoy great work conditions and salary sacrificing options.
- Transparent performance framework- approach your work with confidence in how you're tracking, working to professional development plans agreed on by you and your manager.
- Generous leave entitlements- provisions for many forms of leave; including personal, parental, carers, study, cultural, compassionate, and sick leave.
- Employee Assistance Program support - you are encouraged to use this short-term, confidential counselling service if you're experiencing emotional stress, relationship problems, conflict with others or personal issues. It is also available for financial counselling and retirement planning.
- Up to $10K in relocation allowance for eligible candidates who move to within an hour's drive of the facility.
If you have any queries, please contact Nkem Okafor on 0488 923 773 or [email protected]
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact [email protected] if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.
For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made
We want to make sure all Victorians feel represented by the department's work. One of the ways we do this is by recruiting a diverse workforce - we welcome people of any gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability and cultural background. We are also committed to the Victorian Government's promise to increase the number of veterans working in the public sector.
We're proud of our individual differences. We're proud of the many languages we speak and the stories we can share with each other. We hope you will share your story too.
If this sounds like a compelling job that you believe your skills would be a great match for, please APPLY NOW. Applications close 11.59pm, 13th September 2026.
How to apply
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:
The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.
