Section Supervisor

Queensland Government; Moreton Bay; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Government is seeking a Section Supervisor for the Woodford Youth Detention Centre. You will lead Youth Workers, oversee care plans, and ensure a safe, secure environment for detained youths as they work toward reintegration.

The role requires strong leadership, direct youth engagement, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, with potential travel to multiple sites during construction and beyond.

Qualifications

• Valid Blue card.
• Detention Youth Worker training completed or able to complete.
• Senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain procedures for supervision and care of young people.
• Ensure safe, secure and positive environment in detention units.
• Promote safety and security; conduct regular checks and report risks.
• Support youths' progress through Service Response Plans and programs.
• Lead, coach and provide feedback to Youth Workers on performance.
• Ensure consistent unit operations through information sharing and teamwork.
• Prepare reports and records using manual and computerised systems.
• Assist in contingency planning for incidents and responses.
• Liaise with Shift Supervisors and Unit Managers to improve practices.
• Support culturally appropriate practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths.
• Maintain mandatory competency training per policy YD-3-11.
• Provide cultural leadership and mentoring to staff.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Mentoring

Communication

Safety leadership

Education

Detention Youth Worker training

Job description

Take a lead in helping shape Queensland’s newest youth detention facility. As a Section Supervisor at the Woodford Youth Detention Centre (WYDC), you will develop, coordinate, monitor and supervise activities of Youth Workers to support young people to build positive futures and successfully reintegrate into the community.

Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will oversee the implementation of individual Service Response Plans, maintain the safe and secure operation of accommodation units, and manage complex behaviours. The role combines strong leadership, direct youth engagement, and a commitment to creating positive outcomes.

While the role will eventually be based in Woodford in mid to late 2027, during the construction phase the successful applicant will be based in a variety of locations including Wacol, Caboolture or the Brisbane CBD, which could include overnight stays.

If Detention Youth Worker training has not been completed and you are offered a role, commencement will be on the next available detention youth worker course in early 2027. Further, permanent employment will be confirmed on successful completion of your Detention Youth Worker training.

This role is ideal for candidates who thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy leading and supporting teams through change.

As Section Supervisor, You Will Specifically

• Maintain and assist in the development of procedures for the supervision and direct care of young people in detention, ensuring a safe, secure and positive environment.
• Actively promote and monitor a high standard of safety and security within the centre by conducting regular checks of unit safety and security measures, including physical infrastructure and staff compliance with protocols, and reporting risks or issues to Shift Supervisors and Unit Managers for resolution, and coordinate emergency response in accordance with policy and procedures.
• As part of a multi-disciplinary team, monitor and support young people’s progress in addressing their case needs identified in their Service Response Plan through maximising opportunities for them to attend programs, activities and the provision of other services to support rehabilitation.
• Lead, coach, and provide relevant and timely feedback in the supervision and performance monitoring of Detention Youth Workers to inform on the job mentoring as well as contributing to individual performance assessments.
• Ensure consistent unit operations through accurate, timely and relevant information sharing and teamwork strategies.
• Prepare reports and records in an accurate and timely manner using both manual and computerised systems, such as detailed incident reports to support risk mitigation and operational improvements.
• Assist in the development and testing of contingency plans and procedures to ensure that the centre’s response to incidents is timely, effective and appropriate.
• Liaise and share information with Shift Supervisors, Client Services teams and Unit Managers to assist development and oversee the implementation of effective young person management practices and the delivery of a range of client-related services.
• Identify and support effective management practices for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people and contribute to the development of culturally appropriate practices.
• Achieve and maintain competency in all mandatory competency training as per policy YD-3-11 Youth Detention - Mandatory competencies for youth detention operational staff.
• Demonstrate cultural capability and a commitment to creating an inclusive culture aligned with the Human Rights Act 2019, while providing cultural leadership and mentoring to staff to support departmental programs, strengthen community partnerships, preserve cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and promote improved outcomes for young people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

Mandatory Requirements Of The Role Include

• Valid Blue card
• Completion of or ability to complete Detention Youth Worker training.
• Senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/702878/26

Closing Date: Friday, 16th October 2026

Occupational group Security