Unit Manager

**TARGETED VACANCY

This is designated as an Indigenous Identified role. Under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 it is a genuine occupational requirement for the incumbent to be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person

The new Youth Detention Centre is part of the Queensland Government's strategic program of investment in youth justice.

Based on research, indicative data modelling and ongoing consultation, a localised, geographically-based operating model has been confirmed.

Young people case managed by the Ipswich and Western Districts Youth Justice Service Centres will form the priority admissions for the centre.

The decision to proceed with the target group of young people is consistent with international research advocating for smaller centres in close proximity to family and community. It also takes into account the following considerations:

- meets the Queensland Government commitment of working in a different way
- is consistent with the direction of the Youth Justice Strategy 2019 to 2023
- meets the existing philosophy of youth detention and the principles contained within Youth Justice legislation, including a strong focus on working with family and community
- meets the intent of new Human Rights legislation
- is easily adaptable to ongoing strengths-based and collaborative work in the areas of restorative practice and transition to success
- is consistent with approached to train and support staff in trauma informed practices, inside and outside of the centre.

Your contribution

The role of Unit Manager is to collaboratively assist in the management, coordination, integration, monitoring and improvement of secure services.

The Unit Manager ensures a team focus on quality improvement, leadership and learning opportunities for staff whilst developing and maintaining a safe, secure and positive environment which contributes to the rehabilitation and reintegration of young people.

This role entails implementing initiatives to improve measurable levels of cultural competence and cultural safety within youth detention centre governance, management and service delivery frameworks.

The Unit Manager provides cultural leadership and ensures youth detention programs, policies, practices and procedures provide meaningful and intentional standards of cultural care to support the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in youth detention.

Key responsibilities
- Manage the security operations of the centre, including the physical security of the centre and the security of staff, young people, contractors and visitors on centre.
- Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to build the cultural capability of the youth detention centre and embedding culturally appropriate and competent decision making processes across all youth detention practices.
- Provide cultural leadership and mentoring to youth detention centre staff and work collaboratively to achieve improved outcomes for young people in the youth justice system.
- Liaise with centre based stakeholders and centre based teams to oversee the daily operations of the centre relating to the management and supervision of young people involved in centre-wide activities and programs, with a focus on improving the cultural competence of staff.
- Contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of young persons' Single Case plans and their interface with security operations of the centre.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/651792/25

Closing Date: Friday, 15th August 2025
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