At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we’re looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work. People who get things done. People who are committed to making Victoria a safer place.

We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you.

The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of young people and recognises that young peoples’ rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers

We’re proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?

• Lead the development and implementation of Aboriginal Youth Justice commitments in Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja
• Full time, fixed term opportunity until 31 May 2023, based at the Parkville Youth Justice Precinct
• Salary range $125,893 - $168,473 plus superannuation

About us

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is responsible for the supervision of children and young people in the criminal justice system. The two Youth Justice Custodial Precincts in Victoria are managed by the department. Parkville Youth Justice Precinct is located in the inner northern Melbourne suburb of Parkville, and Malmsbury Youth Justice Precinct is located approximately 100 kilometres north of Melbourne.

The Aboriginal Youth Justice unit is responsible for the design and development of policy, strategy and program responses for young Aboriginal people in contact with or at risk of contact with the Youth Justice system. Aboriginal Youth Justice contributes to the Aboriginal Justice Agreement, Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja, also known as AJA4. The unit is also responsible for the delivery of the Aboriginal Youth Justice Program which is focused on providing culturally responsive service delivery for Aboriginal young people in the community to assist them to remain linked to family, culture and community.

This is an Aboriginal Identified Position; Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

What does a Manager of Aboriginal Programs do?

As the Manager of Aboriginal Programs, you will lead the development and implementation of Aboriginal Youth Justice commitments outlined in Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja (AJA4), shaping new responses in line with the principles of self-determination and in partnership with the Aboriginal community.

Leading and managing a team of 3, you will manage the development and have oversight of the Aboriginal Youth Justice Programs within the community. This includes program development and support, as well as monitoring and evaluating program outcomes and reporting policy issues and outlining progress, achievements and analysis.

You will provide expert advice to internal and external stakeholders and represent the working area effectively managing feedback to maintain positive relationships.

You will be based at the Parkville Youth Justice Precinct though regular regional travel to the Malmsbury Youth Justice Precinct is required.

What skills should a Manager of Aboriginal Programs have?

• ability to proactively develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Aboriginal Community and key internal and external stakeholders
• capacity to sensitively liaise and communicate across key stakeholders, by cultivating partnerships and providing positive leadership and guidance
• demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal Community, both society and culture and the issues impacting on it
• demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with members of the Victorian Aboriginal community
• experience leading a small team to achieve their potential
• a full and current driver's licence.

Experience and/or a qualification in community programs, youth justice policy, community engagement and partnerships, program support, youth work, community services or health, and/or knowledge of, government legislation, priorities and directions is also desirable.

You will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) to be maintained by the employee for the period of employment.

For detailed information on the opportunity, please refer to the attached position description or contact Paula Murray on 0458 367 019 or at paula.murray@justice.vic.gov.au

What's in it for you?

At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we provide every person with the means to achieve their potential through ongoing learning and development opportunities in a diverse, equitable and supportive environment.

All candidates are given the opportunity to utilise support from the Aboriginal Employment Team throughout the recruitment process with the team contactable via email at aboriginal.employment@justice.vic.gov.au

We have various staff support networks in place including a state-wide Aboriginal Staff Network, Aboriginal Youth Network and regional Aboriginal Staff Networks. These networks assist in developing and retaining Aboriginal staff through peer support, professional and personal development, establishing connections and providing valuable cultural peer support from other Aboriginal staff members.

We look for people who are prepared to do their very best in line with our values and behaviours. Our values shape and influence how we recruit, train and develop our staff and build relationships with stakeholders.

If this sounds like a compelling job that you believe your skills would be a great match for, please APPLY NOW. Applications close Sunday 29 May 2022.

How to apply

Please click the Apply button at the bottom of this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter outlining your relevant skills and experience for the position.

Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

Please note: there are no Key Selection Criteria (KSC) questions required for this application and you do not need to separately address all of the KSC.

Important information

During the COVID-19 pandemic all of our assessment processes will be facilitated remotely using online tools to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our candidates and staff. No face to face contact is required and induction training will also be completed online for those who are successful in securing a position with us.

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic).

Therefore, there is a requirement that all DJCS employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to undertake duties outside of their homes.

Prior to commencement of employment with the department you will need to provide evidence that you are vaccinated against COVID-19. Acceptable evidence includes:

1. COVID-19 digital certificate (available via your myGov account)
2. Your immunisation history statement (available via your myGov account) or
3. A letter from the GP who vaccinated you.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.