Senior Policy and Project Officer, Youth Justice

Senior Policy and Projects Officer,

Youth Justice

• Temporary, Full Time up to 12 months
• Location: Parramatta
• Clerk Grade 9/10 Salary ($125,693 - $138,510 pa), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

The Department of Communities and Justice acknowledges lived experience and how it contributes to the valuable work we do with the community.

We strongly encourage and support applications from people who are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent. While all applications are welcome, once we have determined through merit-based assessment which candidates meet the pre-established standards of the role, we will select the candidate who is also of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent.

Your role

Develop, manage, and implement innovative policies and programs within the Division to support and improve service delivery for young people in contact with the criminal justice system. Provide specialist policy advice and high-level analysis on issues and strategies.

What you’ll do

As part of the Strategic Project Unit, you will

• Plan, manage and implement research, innovation and evaluation projects as allocated by the Manager.
• Provide advice on policy issues and contribute to the development and implementation of state-wide policy frameworks.
• Provide advice on youth justice interventions including detailed briefing notes, cabinet minutes and correspondence.
• Represent the Division at interagency meetings and forums and contribute to interagency projects.
• Manage and oversee major aspects of project management and implementation, including monitoring project plans, coordinating resources, and managing budgets.
• Maintain effective liaison and consultation processes with the community, government, and non-government sectors to ensure effective collaboration on projects.

This role is dynamic, and you'll work as part of a small team of with the opportunity to work flexibly.

The team, part of Strategy and Engagement Directorate in Youth Justice, provides high level advice and analysis on issues and strategies, assists in implementing YJNSW priorities with a focus on diversity and young people with a disability, represents YJNSW in interagency meetings and forums, engages in stakeholder consultation with the community, government and non-government sectors to ensure effective collaboration on projects, and coordinates response to internal and external stakeholder’s information requests for reports, legislative changes, and policy development

What we’re looking for

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline such as social work, law, psychology, sociology or criminology, or equivalent level experience.
• Current NSW Working with Children Check clearance for paid employment.

In additional to meeting the essential requirements for this role successful applicants will have

• Experience in strategic and innovative project management and an excellent understanding of project methodologies, processes, and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience in providing high level policy advice, including recommendations for policy and program reform.
• Understanding and knowledge of the significant trauma and disadvantage young people experience
• Understanding of overrepresented cohorts within the justice system including young people who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, have a disability or identify as LGBTQIA+.
• Display key understanding of the unique sensitive, cultural differences and social complexities of young people, their families, and communities.
• Travel may be a requirement of this position.

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:

• As a Senior Policy and Project Officer in the Strategic Projects Unit you will be required to develop and maintain purposeful partnerships with a variety of stakeholders. Describe a situation where you have developed a partnership, the strategies and skills used to build this relationship and manage challenges that arose.

• Provide an example of when you had to work independently on a range of projects in the face of competing priorities and tight timeframes.

Applications close 19 February 2025 at 11:59pm AEDT.

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Liz Morris - A/Manager, Strategic Projects Unit on 0429 650 460 or via Elizabeth.morris@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 https://www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers-at-dcj/pathways/careers-for-aboriginal-people.html

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

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