Senior Practice Officer - South Western Directorate, Youth Justice

Senior Practice Officer –

 South Western Directorate,

Youth Justice

• Temporary Full time up to 03 February 2026 with potential to be made ongoing.
• Location: Dubbo (Alternative base location across the Southwestern Directorate may be negotiable)
• Clerk Grade 9/10 Salary ($125,693 - $138,510 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

Provide high level advice to Directors on all issues relating to program delivery. Facilitate the implementation of a comprehensive and effective suite of accredited and approved programs and practice. Monitor program and practice integrity data for quality, refinement and/or change.

Establish and drive ongoing consistent program and practice delivery throughout the region in close liaison with colleagues.

What you’ll do

• Provide advice, collect and analyse a broad range of relevant, evidence-based information on endorsed interventions and programs, identify existing programs which meet or can be refined to meet the needs of the Youth Justice NSW offender population.

• Research and contribute to the development and implementation of systems to instigate, support and maintain the integrity of practice and program development and delivery with a capacity to be monitored and evaluated in line with identified indicators and where needed correct deficiencies in programs.

• Compile and provide comprehensive, explanatory manuals which include procedures for the implementation of practice and programs in consultation with the practice unit.

• Analyse training and coaching needs of staff in the region to support delivering quality interventions for young vulnerable people. Provide mentoring and guidance during implementation of practice, programs and interventions when required.

• Prepare comprehensive reports to Management on practice delivery and program participation within the region, identifying skills gaps, systems and training needs when required.

• Apply professional expertise and research to the development and writing or refining of programs for offenders that address relevant factors affecting the risk of reoffending

• Monitor the consistency in application of the selection criteria for program participation in relation to identified criminogenic needs and level of risk of re-offending

• Monitor delivery environments and the agreements specifying the type of programs to be offered, the category of young offenders assessed for participation and the resource allocation at centres or community offices

• Resubmit programs for mandated review following accreditation

What we’re looking for

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or extensive experience and background in the area of practice and program delivery to mandated clients.
• Demonstrated experience or strong knowledge in practice implementation and evaluation
• A current NSW drivers’ licence.
• Willingness to undertake travel. This role is required to travel extensively across the South Western Directorate where overnight stays will be required
• Current NSW Working with Children Check clearance

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

Download the role description.

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To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now’ button.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• 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.

Want more information?  Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

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.

Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!

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:

1. Please provide examples and experience where you have prepared comprehensive reports to Managers on practice delivery, identified gaps, systems and training and coaching needs of staff to address the needs.

2. Detail your skills around monitor the consistency in application of the selection criteria for program participation and/or offence focused interventions in relation to identified criminogenic needs, level of risk of re-offending and recommendations made.

Applications close Sunday 27 July 2025 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 Leonie Bender on 0411 402 011 or via leonie.bender@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  

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

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.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

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.

For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/

The Welcome Experience
 Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW’ page.