At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in their journey towards positive change and community reintegration.
- Company: Join the Department of Communities and Justice, a leader in social impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible work, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.
- Qualifications: Diploma or higher in social work, psychology, or related fields required.
The predicted salary is between 35983 - 43979 £ per year.
Temporary Full time up to 6 months
Location: Tamworth
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.
Your role
As a Youth Justice Caseworker, you will provide front line services to young people at the Tamworth Youth Justice Community Office. This involves providing a range of quality externally and internally sourced services to detainees, youth justice conferencing clients, victims of crime and court mandated young people and their families. The role is part of a multi-disciplined team that aims to reduce re-offending of young people, enhance their functioning and support reintegration into their families and the 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 YJ 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 facilitate further actions as required.
- Maintain the integrity of the various information systems with accurate up to date client data and information that supports effective case management, planning, decision making and further upholds a framework of 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.
- Support the therapeutic goals of Youth Justice services by actively engaging in behaviour management strategies for young people and fostering reflective practice among staff.
- Demonstrate flexibility in response to change and ensure compliance with departmental policies, procedures, standards, and best practice guidelines.
What we’re looking for
- Diploma or higher tertiary qualifications in social work, welfare, psychology, criminology, education or related field or equivalent experience.
- Current NSW Working with Children Clearance.
- Current NSW Driver’s Licence.
Appointments are subject to reference checks. Some roles may also require the following checks/clearances: National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014.
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.
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.
Are you ready to join us? Click apply. You will need to attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum five pages) and a cover letter (maximum three pages) with a brief outline on how you meet the focus capabilities & requirements of the role and answer the two targeted questions below:
- Tell us about a time you managed a complex client matter involving multiple risks or needs. How did you assess the situation, prioritise your actions and develop a plan to support positive outcomes?
- Youth Justice works with Aboriginal young people, families and communities. Describe how you have worked in a culturally respectful way and collaborated with community, family or services to support better outcomes.
Applications close Sunday 23rd August 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.
Got a question? For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Kim Storer on 0439 708 747 or via kim.storer@dcj.nsw.gov.au.
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 Lisa Smith on 0456 199 105 or via Lisa.smith3@dcj.nsw.gov.au.
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.
Other Information: 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.
Youth Justice Caseworker - Tamworth Youth Justice Community Office, Youth Justice employer: NSW Department of Communities and Justice
The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is an exceptional employer, particularly for Aboriginal Child Protection Caseworkers in South Western Sydney, offering a meaningful career dedicated to supporting families and communities. With a strong focus on cultural connection, employee wellbeing, and professional development, DCJ fosters a collaborative work environment where your contributions can lead to real change. Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working conditions, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.
Contact Details:
NSW Department of Communities and Justice Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Caseworker - Tamworth Youth Justice Community Office, Youth Justice
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from NSW Department of Communities and Justice!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like NSW Department of Communities and Justice, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at NSW Department of Communities and Justice or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Justice Caseworker - Tamworth Youth Justice Community Office, Youth Justice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to NSW Department of Communities and Justice:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to NSW Department of Communities and Justice! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at NSW Department of Communities and Justice
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
