Social Worker jobs

• Ongoing, full time role based in Melbourne's west metropolitan area
• Make a difference to the lives of First Nations people affected by the Justice system in Victoria
• Earn $94,591 - $106,401 per year (plus super) with yearly performance increases

This is a prioritised role for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, who will be given priority consideration as per the special measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

About us:

The Youth Justice team provides community-based supervision and a range of case management and support services for young people who are appearing before, or have been sentenced by, the Children's Court, Children's Aboriginal Court and adult criminal courts and who have been placed on youth justice supervised orders.

About the role:

Acknowledging the over representation of Aboriginal young people in the criminal justice system and the need to provide a culturally based approach with a commitment to diversion, rehabilitation and re-integration into the community. Youth Justice Aboriginal Advanced Case Managers will provide intensive and innovative culturally based assessment and casework support for young Aboriginal people subject to bail conditions, deferral of sentence, exiting Youth Justice Centre's and other Orders as required.

The Youth Justice Aboriginal Advanced Case Manager will be responsible for managing a case load with a majority of Aboriginal persons to deliver dynamic evidence based best practice in the case management of individuals with complex needs and those who have committed serious offences.

The successful candidate will be required to work across both West Metro locations (Sunshine/Werribee Offices) to meet demand.

About you:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal Community, both society and culture, and the issues impacting on it.
• Thorough understanding of the Youth Justice System, particularly the principles and philosophy underpinning relevant legislation and the Victorian Youth Justice program.
• Understanding of the principles of case management and case work and a range of assessment and interventions relevant to the age, gender, developmental stage and offending related needs of the young person

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Social Work or Diploma in Community Services Work is highly desirable. Other tertiary qualifications at Diploma level or above will be considered only if they include units of study in case management/casework practice and have had supervised 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 outside business hours as required.
• A current employee Working with Children Check (WWCC) card is required and will need to be provided prior to commencement of employment by the applicant. Currency will need to be maintained by the employee for the period of employment.

Online Info Session

Interested in learning more about this position and other Aboriginal employment opportunities? Join our online information session, facilitated by Recruitment Services, Department of Justice and Community Safety. You'll gain a better understanding of this role and hear about other opportunities within Community Corrections and Youth Justice.

Please CLICK HERE to register for the session.

When: Wednesday 28 January 2026 at 4.30 pm
Where: Microsoft Teams

For more details on the position please review the position description attached or contact:

• Meagan Dockeary - Youth Justice General Manager on 0428 538 507 or via email at meagan.dockeary@justice.vic.gov.au

Why work with us?

At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we provide every person with the means to achieve their potential through ongoing learning and development opportunities in a diverse, equitable and supportive environment.

We look for people who are prepared to do their very best in line with our values and behaviours. Our values shape and influence how we recruit, train and develop our staff and build relationships with stakeholders.

We will also provide you with professional development opportunities, an employee assistance program, access to job opportunities across the Victorian Government, salary packaging and much more.

How to apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact Aboriginalworkforce@justice.vic.gov.au if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.