Youth Justice Community
Custodial sentencing is always a last resort when dealing with criminal behaviour. If a young offender doesn’t pose a clear threat to the safety of Victorians, it is preferable to help them complete their sentences while living in the community. And that’s where youth justice community comes in.
Our team of case managers take charge of the supervision and coordination of services for young people subject to statutory court orders. They’re great listeners, and they’re even better planners and negotiators.
Changing offending behaviours often demands a reconfiguration of a young person’s social environment. This kind of work is best achieved not through exclusion from the community, but through inclusion in community services and many other supports available. Our case managers play a key role in designing the pathway to rehabilitation for the young people in our care.
Types of roles
Case Manager (CM)
Youth justice case managers supervise and provide support to young people subject to youth justice court orders. They prepare court and Youth Parole Board reports, develop client service plans and attend court for client matters. They also provide assessments, develop case plans and reports, and advocate for the provision of support services.
Advanced Case Manager (ACM)
This is a senior case management position within the youth justice service, primarily responsible for the statutory supervision and coordination of services for young people subject to statutory court orders. Advanced case managers provide holistic support to young people with complex needs and challenging behaviours. To succeed, you’ll need exceptional skill in case management practice, with particular experience in effectively coordinating the delivery of rehabilitative interventions for young people with complex needs.
Youth Control Order and Intensive Bail Monitoring and Control Scheme (CM and ACM)
The Youth Control Order (YCO) is a new sentencing option for children and young people that provides more rigorous and targeted supervision of young offenders in the community.
The Intensive Bail Monitoring and Control Supervision Scheme (Intensive Bail) is a bail support service that provides high-risk young people with the most stringent supervision in the community.
This case management role is similar to the positions listed above, the difference being you will work principally (though not exclusively) with young people sentenced to a YCO or the Intensive Bail scheme. Consequently, the job demands high standards of case management practice, with particular experience in effectively coordinating the delivery of rehabilitative interventions for young people at high risk of offending in the community.
What you’ll bring to the job
- Knowledge of the principles of case management, with the ability to utilise a range of assessments and interventions relevant to the background and needs of a young person.
- A respect for and appreciation of different cultures.
- Flexibility in working within a dynamic and evolving operating model.
- Understanding of the youth justice system; particularly the principles and philosophy underpinning relevant legislation, like the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 and associated policies.
- Demonstrate perseverance in achieving objectives and be able to cope effectively with setbacks.
- Be able to gain respect from stakeholders, based on your expertise, and use effective negotiation techniques to motivate others.
Benefits of working in youth justice
- Smaller caseloads than many case management roles. Being able to dedicate more time and thought to your clients will make it even more gratifying when you support young people in making positive changes in their lives.
- Challenging and changeable work that brings you into contact with young Victorians from many different cultural and family backgrounds. Each young person will have their own unique set of circumstances that has brought them into your care, and you need to design rehabilitative programs with these details in mind.
- Attractive salary structure that respects your time and talent.
- Comprehensive leave provisions, including annual leave loading of up to 17.5 per cent.
- Learning and development opportunities in case management best practice.
Eligibility
- A Bachelor of Social Work or Diploma in Community Services Work is highly desirable, though not essential. Other tertiary qualifications at Diploma level or above will be considered only if they include units of study in case management/casework practice and the applicant has done practical work placements.
- A full driver's licence is required, due to the need to respond to emergencies across the state at short notice and out of work hours.
- A current Working with Children Check (WWCC) card is essential and will need to be provided prior to commencement of employment. Currency will need to be maintained by the employee for the period of employment.
- We encourage applications from candidates with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, including those with family history in the Pacific Islands and Sudan. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are also encouraged.