Youth Justice Specialist

**Role Overview**

The primary function of this position is to serve as the representative of the Director-General in youth justice court matters. This involves providing expert advice and acting as a consultant to other departmental staff, with the ultimate goal of promoting high standards of departmental services to courts and clients.

• Conduct thorough pre-court preparations in accordance with established procedures and court quality benchmarks. This includes conducting and assisting others in conducting necessary pre-court interviews.
• Assess risk factors, identify early intervention opportunities, make relevant referrals, and review written material to formulate confident court submissions.
• Maintain effective communication with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including Magistrates, Judges, legal representatives, police, Community Justice Groups, and community organisations. This ensures the provision of quality court services and contributes to positive outcomes for young people and their families/carers.
• Provide post-court guidance to young people, families/carers, stakeholders, and relevant youth justice staff. Additionally, complete comprehensive post-court documentation and case notes.
• Ensure efficient management of court appearances by maintaining office systems and contributing to the development of new systems. This involves timely recording of outcomes and monitoring trends and issues.
• PARTicipate as a member of the youth justice service centre management team, contributing to strategic and operational planning, reviews, and key decision-making.
• Act as a consultancy role for departmental staff and other key stakeholders in relation to youth justice court related matters. This includes mentoring and coaching relevant staff, participating in local training initiatives, and quality assuring material for court.
• Undertake professional casework and restorative justice tasks as required.
• Engage in ongoing professional development activities to enhance skills and contribute to organisational goals.
• Demonstrate cultural capability and/or commitment to developing cultural capability to promote an inclusive culture that aligns with human rights principles and supports departmental programs aimed at preserving cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• Possession of a tertiary degree relevant to the role, such as social work, behavioural science or social science, criminology, legal studies, or other recognised degree.
• One referee should be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who can attest to the applicant's background, knowledge, skills, and experience as they relate to cultural capabilities.
• CURRENT 'C' CLASS DRIVER'S LICENCE REQUIRED.
• BLUE CARD: This role provides support services to children and young people, therefore, requires a valid Blue Card with the organisation.

You will possess well-developed knowledge of Children's Court processes and technical knowledge of the Youth Justice Act 1992, other relevant legislation, policies, practices, trends, and theories relating to young people, families, crime causes, and the youth justice service system. You will also demonstrate an understanding of casework within a youth justice framework and a commitment to early intervention principles.