2023 Youth Custodial Officer null

About Department of Justice, Western Australia

The Department of Justice supports the community, Western Australian Government, judiciary, and Parliament through the provision of access to high-quality justice, legal and corrective services, information, and products.

Your role

The Youth Custodial Officer is responsible for the contemporary management of, and positive engagement with, young people in the justice system, specifically those held at the Centre. The position directly impacts the provision of rehabilitative services available through the Department to young people who have been offended. The role considerably influences services that ensure young people are provided opportunities to address their offending behaviour, improve their education and work skills, maintain family links, and prepare for reintegration and release.

The successful applicant will play a pivotal role in positive role modelling and exhibiting behaviours that support high-quality service provision, teamwork, equity, integrity, and personal learning. The desire to work positively with young people in challenging situations is critical.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following points:

• Be responsible for the care, safety, security, well-being, and developmental needs of young people in accordance with relevant legislation and Departmental policy, procedures, and custodial rules.
• Be a good role model for young people.
• Positively engage with young people in challenging situations.
• Be aware of and have the ability to positively engage with young people from culturally diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal young people.
• Participate in a roster rotation that reflects the structured day and exposes the Youth Custodial Officer to all facets of the Centre’s operations.
• Work in a manner that supports the principles that young people have strengths that can be built on; are still maturing and cannot be treated as adults; need to be aware their decisions have consequences; need help to build on positive links with family and community; are placed in custody as a last resort; may need a range of supports to find a pathway out of offending; and have service needs that must be continually monitored and improved.
• Contribute towards implementing and upholding an organisational culture aligned to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
• Be designated as a ‘custodial officer’ for the purposes of the Young Offenders Act 1994 and the Young Offenders Regulations 1995.
• Other duties as required in accordance with strategic objectives, business plans, local workload priorities, and performance management plans.

Training, development & rotations

Working regionally is a great opportunity for individuals to develop themselves professionally where they are required to develop initiative and a broad range of professional and personal skills including the ability to work autonomously and flexibly as well as building and nurturing community and stakeholder relationships.  Regional work allows learning new skills and on-the-job experiences.

Salary & benefits

Youth Custodial Officer (Level 2) roles may earn an average of A$64,172 to A$69,256 plus approx A$12,000+ shift allowance per annum.

Working with the Department of Justice, you will receive all the benefits attached to a government career: job security, competitive wages, flexible work arrangements, generous leave provisions, and a supported work/life balance. Read more.

Career progression

There are countless ways to develop your career at the Department of Justice. It is one of the most diverse public sector organisations in WA, providing a variety of legal, justice, corrections, and related services to the Government and the community. Read more.

Culture & vibe

The Department of Justice is proud of its diverse workforce and is committed to ensuring all its employees are valued and have the opportunity to maximise their potential. The Department of Justice strongly encourages people from diverse backgrounds to join. Read more.

To know more about what's life like at the Department of Justice, WA, watch this video:

About you

Here's what the Department of Justice Western Australia is looking for in this role:

Do you have resilience, maturity, compassion, and empathy?  As part of a team, you work alongside young people in challenging situations. Your ability to diffuse and manage conflict is essential.

Be a positive role model and work with young people and their families who have often experienced significant trauma. Help create an environment by implementing National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (please see 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.

How to apply

To apply for this role, simply click the "Apply on employer site" button on this page to submit your application directly to the Department of Justice, Western Australia.

The Department of Justice Western Australia requires you to submit the following information:

A current comprehensive Curriculum Vitae/Resume including the contact details of two referees. Acceptable referees are current and previous supervisors or line managers.

During the online application submission process you will be addressing the questions below, with a word limit of 250 words per question:

1. Tell us about your experience leading a group of people. How do you think these skills will help you guide at-risk youth?
2. When have you implemented boundaries with another person, whilst still maintaining the relationship?
3. Tell us about a time in your work history, when you had to resolve a conflict.

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

Applicants will be required to successfully complete any learning and assessment requirements applicable to the role through the Department’s Training Academy and the Centre. Recognition of prior learning and/or experience may be considered.

Prior to appointment a successful applicant must:

• Receive clearance through a National Criminal History check and the Department’s integrity assessment; and
• Possess a current clearance under the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004.