Youth Development Officer

Randwick; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Randwick is seeking a Youth Justice Caseworker to join the Department of Communities and Justice in Sydney/Ashfield. The role is a targeted recruitment with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent preferred. Salary ranges between $110,345 and $120,478 per year plus superannuation and leave loading.

Applicants should meet essential qualifications and may be invited for discussions. Primary duties include case management, planning, conferences, and offence-focused interventions for young

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in social work, welfare, psychology, criminology, education or related field or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Undertake case management targeting areas of need to reduce re-offending for young people.
• Collaborate with Youth Justice staff and stakeholders to connect young people to services and monitor progress.
• Provide clear advice, briefs, reports and formal written communications for internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Working with Children Clearance (NSW)

Driver’s Licence (NSW)

Education

Diploma or higher in Social Work / Welfare / Psychology / Criminology / Education

Job description

Talent Pool Creation for Youth Justice Caseworker

Ashfield NSW Department of Communities and Justice

Locations: Sydney & Ashfield

Clerk Grade 6/7 Salary ($110,345 - $120,478 pa), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

This is a targeted recruitment. While all applicants are welcome, preference will be given to candidates who meet the established standards of the role and are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent. This is because the Department acknowledges this lived experience contributes a perspective valuable to our work with this community.

What you’ll do

• Undertake case management activities that target appropriate areas of need/risk to the young person re-offending. This includes case planning, organising and facilitating case conferences and delivering offence focused intervention programs to young people.
• Work collaboratively with Youth Justice staff such as other JJ Caseworkers, Youth Officers and Psychologists, along with a range of government and non-government stakeholders to connect young people to services appropriate to their individual case plan and monitor the progress of the young person.
• Work closely with courts, parole authorities, review panels and legal professionals and provide clear and concise advice, briefings, reports and other formal written communication for internal and external stakeholders.
• Use detailed structured screening and assessment tools to identify the risks and needs of young people and determine the level and types of interventions/programs required, including family and crisis interventions.
• Monitor outcome plans and case plans for compliance and progress in line with required operational standards and take appropriate actions.
• Maintain accurate records and data integrity of relevant information systems to ensure accurate, up to date client information is available to support effective case management, planning, decision making and quality assurance.
• Provide young people and their families with the tools, information and support to create positive change in their lives and contribute more productively within their community.
• Contribute to the therapeutic nature of Youth Justice services including behaviour management of young people and reflective practice with staff
• Adapt to changes and comply with Departmental policies, procedures, standards and best practice guidelines.

What we’re looking for

• Relevant tertiary qualifications (diploma or higher) in social work, welfare, psychology, criminology, education or related field or equivalent experience.
• Current NSW Working with Children Clearance
• Current NSW Driver’s Licence
• Regional and rural based Youth Justice Caseworkers travel larger distances to meet with clients

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

• A challenging and rewarding career
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.

Applications close Sunday, 8th November 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.

For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Rachel Burrow on or at

If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application) , please call Olivia Alipalo on or via

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

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

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.