Detention Youth Worker (Aug 2023)

The role of a Detention Youth Worker

As a detention youth worker, you will have the opportunity to support and mentor young people to make positive changes to their lives and become productive members of their community. You will be a member of a multi-disciplinary team of talented and diverse individuals who are committed to supporting each other and improving the lives of young people. 

You will work closely with youth detention centre staff and other government and community agencies, including:

• teachers and school staff
• nurses
• caseworkers
• psychologists and speech-language pathologists
• elders
• program staff. 

In this role, you will be responsible for the management, supervision, security, care and provision of services, for young people in the youth detention centre. Detention youth workers supervise and support young people to attend a schedule of daily activities including educational, vocational, recreational and therapeutic programs.

Young people detained in youth detention centres have often experienced trauma, which can result in young people presenting with complex behaviours. Being able to de-escalate situations is an important skill you will learn. However, at times use of force may be required.

You will complete training and receive the support necessary to respond appropriately and safely to these situations. 

Formal qualifications are not required to become a detention youth worker as you will be provided all the tools and training required during your induction program. We value people with life experiences who can be positive role models for young people in detention.

Induction training is provided over a six-to-seven-week period, with ongoing peer support, supervision, and training opportunities available during your employment. During this induction, you will be issued uniforms and body worn camera vests that you will wear during your shifts at the youth detention centre.

To support young people in youth detention centres, our workforce needs to be equally diverse. You will need to be energetic, resilient and passionate. Excellent communication skills are vital to this role.

If you are passionate about changing lives for the better, becoming a detention youth worker is the ideal place to start.