Youth Officer – Grafton

Youth Officer Location: Acmena – Grafton Youth Justice Centre

Employment type: Casual and unlock opportunities for temporary and ongoing roles

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

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

Your role:

• Youth Officers support young people in custody to develop life skills, build positive behaviours and prepare for their return to the community.
• Working in a secure Youth Justice Centre, you will supervise young people while encouraging participation in education, programs and daily activities designed to reduce reoffending.
• This is an entry-level role with full training provided, including five weeks of paid full-time training before starting in the Centre.
• You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting young people while maintaining a safe and structured environment.

What you’ll do:

• Supervising young people and support their daily routines and wellbeing
• Encouraging participation in education, vocational, recreational and therapeutic programs
• Practicing positive role modelling to support behaviour change
• Responding appropriately to challenging situations
• Maintaining a safe and secure environment
• Working collaboratively with psychologists and caseworkers
• Completing operational and case management records
• Supporting young people attending court, medical or casework appointments

You’ll work as part of a team-based environment within a secure Youth Justice Centre, supporting young people alongside psychologists, caseworkers and other specialists.

What we’re looking for:

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills: You can connect with people from diverse backgrounds and support young people to engage in programs and activities.
• Resilience and sound judgement: You remain calm in challenging situations and manage behaviour professionally.
• Teamwork and accountability: You work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a safe environment.
• Cultural awareness and community understanding: You demonstrate respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and understand the social and cultural complexities affecting young people and their communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements:

• Hold a minimum NSW P2 Driver Licence
• Hold or obtain First Aid certification (HLTAID011)
• Hold a Working With Children Check clearance
• Pass a medical and fitness assessment
• Pass a National Criminal History Check
• Be available to complete 5 weeks of full-time training (Induction Training & Assessment Program) - ITAP

What we offer:

• 5 weeks paid full-time training to prepare you for the role
• Career pathways across Youth Justice and the broader DCJ network
• Competitive salary, shift allowances and penalty rates
• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs
• The opportunity to make a real difference in young people’s lives

Applications close 5 November 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit. DCJ is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.