Youth worker (youth detention)
.jpg)
Youth worker (youth detention)If you have a passion for connecting with young people and want to make a difference in their lives, we want to hear from you.
What does a youth worker (youth detention) do?
Youth workers ensure that young people in detention have a safe and secure environment. They supervise activities that are sensitive to the gender, cultural beliefs and health needs of young people. They also assist young people to successfully reintegrate back into the community.
Youth workers also play an important role supporting young people in detention who are separated from their family, friends and community. They need to ensure that young people are engaged in constructive activities that include cultural, educational and vocational programs.
"I really enjoy helping my staff and seeing positive changes
in the kids everyday." Ouida Ratapu, Section Supervisor
As part of their role, a youth worker also needs to model positive and socially appropriate behaviour and be a positive infl uence on young people in detention.
What qualifications do you need?
In the future, the Certificate IV in Youth Work (Juvenile Justice) will be introduced as the formal qualification for youth workers. However, the following skills are also taken into consideration during the current recruitment process:
- youth-related work experience
- a youth work qualification
- a current Senior First Aid Certificate
New youth workers are provided with five weeks paid training, plus ‘buddy’ shifts prior to commencing work at the detention centre. It is a job requirement that this training is successfully completed before ongoing employment can be confirmed.
What personal attributes do you need?
Youth workers (youth detention) are:
- patient and positive
- resourceful and resilient
- supportive and understanding
- open and positive communicators
- respectful and able to show dignity for all
- team players
- able to cope with a physically challenging work environment
- responsible role models for young people.
Join the Department of Communities if you want a career that will:
- provide a safe and secure environment for young people in detention
- help reintegrate young people back into their community
- promote positive outcomes for young people
- provide variety in your day-to-day work
- encourage you to work as a member of a close multi-disciplinary team
- offer career advancement and ongoing training.
Salary information
For information on salary ranges visit www.psier.qld.gov.au/psawards/cas/
For more information about job opportunities at Department of Communities:
- Visit
- www.communities.qld.gov.au
- enquiries@communities.qld.gov.au
- Telephone
- 13 13 04
- TTY
- (07) 3012 8655
Find our vacancies at www.jobs.qld.gov.au