| Organisation / Entity | Youth Justice NSW |
|---|---|
| Job Location | Kariong, Grafton, Wagga Wagga – Check here for current vacancies |
| Work Type | Full-time – Ongoing, Temporary, and Casual Positions |
| Base Pay | $67,006 to $76,857 p.a. OR $33.79 per hour for casuals |
| Closing Date | 17/11/2024 (more roles to be advertised) |
Introduction: Embarking on a Rewarding Career as a Youth Officer in Youth Justice NSW
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people? A career as a Youth Officer with Youth Justice NSW offers an opportunity to work directly with youth in custody, helping them rehabilitate and reintegrate into society. This role is pivotal in shaping the futures of young offenders, providing them with the support and guidance they need to make better choices.
Youth Justice NSW, a division of the Department of Communities and Justice, is dedicated to supervising and providing custodial and community-based services for young offenders under the Children (Detention Centres) Act, 1987. With six Youth Justice Centres across New South Wales and 34 community offices, the organisation focuses on reducing reoffending by offering health, educational, and spiritual services, alongside individual case management and specialised counselling.
As a Youth Officer, you will be at the forefront of this mission, working within secure residential units and directly influencing the lives of young people. This role involves shift work, including night shifts and weekends, ensuring that the needs of the youth are met around the clock.
Why Consider the Youth Officer Role at Youth Justice NSW?
Multiple Opportunities Across NSW
With positions available in locations like Kariong, Grafton, and Wagga Wagga, there are numerous opportunities to join the team in 2025. Whether you’re seeking full-time, temporary, or casual work, Youth Justice NSW offers flexibility to suit your career aspirations.
Comprehensive Training and Development
New Youth Officers receive five weeks of full-time training, equipping you with the skills and knowledge you need in your new role. This investment in your development ensures you’re prepared to handle the responsibilities and challenges of working with young people in custody.
Attractive Remuneration and Benefits
The role offers competitive pay, including casual loading (if applicable) and penalty rates for night and weekend shifts. With a base salary ranging from $67,006 to $76,857 per annum or $33.79 per hour for casuals, you’ll enjoy good working conditions and financial rewards that reflect the importance of your work.
Understanding the Role of a Youth Officer
As a Youth Officer, your daily responsibilities will include:
- Supervising young people in custody, ensuring their health, hygiene, and wellbeing needs are met.
- Responding to challenging situations and maintaining a safe, secure environment for both youth and staff.
- Proactively averting risks and solving problems, acting as a positive role model who reinforces boundaries.
- Working according to departmental legislation, policies, and procedures, following a structured routine.
- Communicating effectively, finding common ground with others, and remaining calm under pressure.
- Facilitating and participating in programs to develop the skills of young people.
- Managing conflict confidently in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating resilience and flexibility.
The Recruitment Process: Steps to Becoming a Youth Officer
Application Submission
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Write a one-page cover letter addressing the role’s requirements.
- Prepare an up-to-date resume, no more than three pages.
- Complete the online application form, providing responses to specific questions.
Essential Requirements
In your cover letter, be sure to highlight:
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Possession of or willingness to obtain the ‘Provide First Aid Certificate’ (HLTAID003).
- Willingness to undertake shift work, including weekends and public holidays.
Ensure your resume clearly states:
- Citizenship or Residency: Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or valid visa holder with unlimited working rights.
- Driver’s Licence: Possession of a minimum Provisional 2 NSW driver’s licence.
- Background Checks: Willingness to complete a National Background Police Check.
- Working with Children Check: Note if you already have a NSW Working with Children Check Clearance.
Want help with your cover letter?
Get your cover letter reviewed by a NSW Government Recruitment Expert.
Highlighting the Focus Capabilities
As part of your application, you’ll need to demonstrate specific focus capabilities. These are essential skills and behaviours required for the role, assessed throughout the recruitment process.
Focus Capabilities Overview
| Capability | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Act with Integrity |
| Foundational |
| Influence and Negotiate |
| Foundational |
| Communicate Effectively |
| Intermediate |
| Think and Solve Problems |
| Intermediate |
| Technology |
| Foundational |
How to Address Focus Capabilities in Your Application
Customising your resume and cover letter to reflect the focus capabilities is crucial. Use similar language and provide examples that showcase your abilities in these areas.
Example:
If you’re highlighting the ‘Act with Integrity’ capability, you might include:
“In my previous role as a youth mentor, I consistently upheld the organisation’s code of conduct, ensuring all interactions were professional and ethical. I reported any concerns promptly to maintain a safe environment for all participants.”
This approach makes it easier for hiring managers to see how your experience aligns with the role’s requirements.
Example Application.
To help you with your application, I’ve drafted an example cover letter for Gigi.
Candidate Profile: Gigi – Youth Program Activity Coordinator
Name: Gigi Anderson
Location: Sydney, NSW
Role Sought: Youth Officer at Youth Justice NSW
Relevant Experience: 4 years as an Activity Coordinator for Youth Programs
Professional Summary:
Gigi is a dedicated youth professional with a proven track record in designing and leading activities for young people. Over the past four years, she has served as an Activity Coordinator at a private youth recreation centre, creating safe, engaging, and supportive environments for adolescents. Her experience includes planning diverse programs, managing group dynamics, and addressing the unique needs of at-risk youth.
Gigi’s work has honed her skills in conflict resolution, mentorship, and fostering a sense of community, making her well-prepared to transition into a Youth Officer role.
Example Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the Youth Officer position at Youth Justice NSW. With over four years of experience as an Activity Coordinator for youth programs, I have developed strong verbal and written communication skills and a deep passion for supporting young people.
In my role at the Sydney Youth Recreation Centre, I have excelled in working within a team environment, collaborating with colleagues to develop and implement programs that address the diverse needs of young people. I am particularly skilled in creating activities that engage at-risk youth, fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere.
One notable challenge I faced was managing a group of adolescents with behavioural issues who struggled to engage in structured activities. To address this, I set out to design a program that would capture their interest and promote positive behaviour. I initiated a creative arts workshop, allowing participants to express themselves through various art forms. By collaborating with local artists and coordinating resources, I ensured the program’s success. The workshop significantly improved engagement levels, and the participants showed a marked decrease in behavioural incidents. It became so successful that it became a regular offering at the centre.
In my role at the Sydney Youth Recreation Centre, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to acting with integrity by upholding ethical standards and promoting a positive environment. For example, I developed and enforced clear guidelines for participant conduct during activities, ensuring that all youth felt safe and respected. When ethical concerns arose, such as instances of bullying or unfair treatment, I addressed them promptly and fairly, reinforcing the centre’s values.
I utilised technology effectively to enhance program delivery and communication by implementing an online platform for scheduling and feedback. This allowed participants to sign up for activities easily and provided a channel for them to share their experiences, enabling us to tailor programs to their needs more effectively.
My ability to influence and negotiate was demonstrated when I successfully resolved conflicts among youth participants. On one occasion, two groups were competing over the use of recreational space, leading to tension and disputes. I facilitated a mediation session where each group could voice their concerns. By guiding the conversation and highlighting common goals, I helped them reach a compromise on scheduling that satisfied everyone involved. This not only resolved the immediate conflict but also fostered a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect among the participants.
I hold a current ‘Provide First Aid Certificate’ (HLTAID003) and a full NSW driver’s licence. I am fully prepared to undertake shift work, including weekends and public holidays, recognising the importance of providing consistent support to young people in custody.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to Youth Justice NSW’s mission and believe my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the Youth Officer role.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team.
Kind regards,
Gigi Anderson
Want help with your cover letter?
Get your cover letter reviewed by a NSW Government Recruitment Expert.
Preparing for the Interview: Sample Questions
As you progress to the interview stage, it’s important to prepare for questions that assess the focus capabilities.
- Act with Integrity: “Describe a time when you witnessed inappropriate behaviour at work. How did you handle the situation?”
- Influence and Negotiate: “Can you provide an example of how you resolved a conflict between team members or participants?”
- Think and Solve Problems: “Tell us about a challenging problem you faced in your previous role. What steps did you take to solve it, and what was the outcome?”
Conclusion: Take the Next Step in Your Career
Embarking on a career as a Youth Officer with Youth Justice NSW is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people. If you’re passionate about supporting youth and have the skills and dedication required, I encourage you to apply. A fulfilling career awaits you in the public sector, where you can contribute to meaningful change and personal growth.
By following this guide and tailoring your application to highlight your strengths and alignment with the role’s requirements, you’ll be well on your way to joining the team at Youth Justice NSW.
Ready to apply but need some assistance? Consider enrolling in my coaching course. I’ll work with you starting today to efficiently craft applications that effectively address the needs of hiring managers.
Good luck with your application!
