Youth Officer – Kariong in Gosford

Department: Frank Baxter YJC – Kariong NSW

Employment type: Casual

Salary: $36.20 per hour + loading (casual). Temporary and Ongoing - $71,777 – $80,129 + super + allowances.

This role involves shift work across a 24/7 roster, including weekends and public holidays.

Training: Mandatory 5 weeks of full-time Induction Training & Assessment Program (ITAP).

Looking for a career where your life experience, resilience, and interpersonal skills are genuinely valued? Bring your experience to a role that makes a meaningful impact. This opportunity is well suited to professionals with practical expertise and the credibility to engage effectively with young people in complex circumstances.

Your role:

• As a Youth Officer, you’ll play a key role in guiding young people in custody toward better choices and brighter futures.
• Whether your background is in parenting, trades, community work, customer service, or another people-focused field, your ability to communicate, stay calm under pressure, and build trust can make a real impact.
• This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to contribute to safer communities while supporting young people to turn their lives around.

What you’ll do:

• You’ll work within a structured, secure environment supporting young people to develop life skills, improve behaviour, and prepare for reintegration into the community.
• Working alongside psychologists, caseworkers, and other professionals, you will:
• Support daily routines, wellbeing, and personal development.
• Encourage participation in education, vocational and recreational programs.
• Act as a positive role model, guiding behaviour change.
• Respond calmly and confidently to challenging situations.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and structured environment.
• Assist with appointments such as court, medical, or casework.
• Complete reports and maintain accurate records.
• You’ll receive five weeks of paid, full-time training to ensure you feel confident and prepared before starting in the Centre.

What we’re looking for:

• We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds—especially those with strong life experience and a genuine desire to make a difference.
• You may be a great fit if you bring:
• Strong communication and people skills – able to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Resilience and emotional maturity – remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations.
• Practical life experience – from work, family, or community involvement.
• Team-focused mindset – work collaboratively to maintain safety and structure.
• Cultural awareness – respect and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities.

Requirements:

• Minimum NSW P2 Driver Licence.
• Current First Aid certificate (HLTAID011) or willingness to obtain.
• Working With Children Check clearance.
• Ability to pass medical, fitness, and criminal history checks.
• Availability to complete 5 weeks of full-time training (ITAP).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

What We Offer:

• Paid, structured training to set you up for success.
• Clear career pathways within Youth Justice and the broader DCJ network.
• Competitive salary with shift penalties and allowances.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Health, wellbeing, and Employee Assistance Programs.
• A meaningful role where you can make a real difference every day.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

Applications close 26 July 2026 at 11:00pm AEST.

For more information about the role, application process, or recruitment adjustments, please contact Merina Maharjan.