Youth Justice Worker in Melbourne

Respond to critical and emergency incidents as part of the safety and emergency response team (SERT). Engage young people in change by equipping them with the skills required for positive community participation, within a safe and secure environment. 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. Youth Justice is committed to the demonstration of the departmental values at all times; serve the community, work together, act with integrity, respect other people and make it happen.

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 Safety and Emergency Response Team (SERT) operates under a Tier 1 (engagement team) and Tier 2 (response team) approach that emphasises relational security as a key component of the role through routine non-incident related contact with both young people and unit staff. This approach also aims to build a strong foundation for SERT and unit staff to work effectively together to prevent, de-escalate, resolve incidents and mitigate risk.

The opportunity is an ongoing, full-time position based in Cherry Creek. YJW2 role: $79,122 - $90,989 per year plus super.

• Participate in the implementation of relevant policies and guidelines that are established to support the SERT model.
• Be a visible and supportive presence in the units and proactively encourage young people to behave according to agreed behaviour expectations and plans.
• Maintain effective partnerships with control room operations and respond to critical incidents and/or young people-related emergencies as well as scan the environment for emerging risks or incidents.
• Use sound risk assessment frameworks and knowledge gained from formal training and the application and interpretation of precedents, policies and standards to inform decision making.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Completed the required SERT training, including both induction and refresher training.
• Understanding of the legislative framework surrounding the use of force and ability to apply this legislation in an operational environment.
• Experience in, or knowledge of, the operational conditions of the custodial environment.
• A current driver's licence.
• Obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) to be maintained by the employee for the period of employment.

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. 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.

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 ***************@justice.vic.gov.au if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.

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.

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.