The department is committed to keeping Queensland communities safe. Everyone deserves a life free from violence & fear. We are actively tackling the complex causes of youth crime & addressing serious repeat offenders and ensuring our systems and services not only meet but anticipate the needs of victims. We do this by:

• Providing early intervention, statutory Youth Justice, and detention services to ensure that young people are held accountable for their offending behaviour. We help support them to become responsible members of the community.
• Providing trauma-informed support and resources to victims to ensure they can recover and heal, whilst ensuring the voices and experiences of victims are heard and respected.

Our programs and community partnerships preserve cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve positive life outcomes.

Job details

The role of the Cultural Liaison Officer is to deliver culturally (safe) appropriate behavioral and management interventions for Young People within the accommodation and structured day precinct of the detention centre. This role will also have an advisory and advocacy function relating to individual needs and standards of care pertaining to the wellbeing of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander young people in detention.

 Key Responsibilities:

As Cultural Liaison Officer, you will specifically:

• Ensure culturally safe and responsive case management practices by providing cultural support, guidance, and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people during Admission, Special Interest Young People Meetings, Suicide Risk Assessment Team Meetings, Case Review Meetings, Behaviour Support Plan Meetings, and stakeholder consultations.
• Support the development and implementation of a cultural practice policy within the accommodation units
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and advocate on behalf of the cultural wellbeing of young people in detention
• Provide cultural mentoring and coaching support for Young People in Detention and model appropriate cultural behaviours and expectations
• Deliver criminogenic programs and cultural programs to address recidivous behaviours and support the delivery of effective reintegration and transition pathways
• Assist staff to implement effective cultural safety and inclusion practices and procedures
• Uphold the safety and security requirements as it applies within a regulated environment.
• Demonstrate cultural capability and/or a commitment to developing cultural capability to ensure an inclusive culture that aligns with the Human Rights Act 2019 and supports departmental programs and community partnerships aimed at preserving cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
• Collaborate with Cultural Unit staff across Youth Detention Centers statewide to ensure the consistent delivery of culturally safe services and supports that contribute to positive outcomes for young people in detention.
• Develop and sustain strategic partnerships and community connections with Elders, Traditional Owners, and First Nations program providers to support culturally informed practice, community participation, and improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
• Support the coordination and administration of Sorry Business activities, including stakeholder engagement, logistics, communications, meeting coordination, and culturally appropriate documentation, in accordance with established cultural protocols and guidance from relevant Elders, families, and cultural advisors.
• Manage and maintain cultural program tracking systems and data records to support program evaluation, performance reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference:  QLD/700249/26

Closing Date:  Monday, 21^st September 2026

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 700249-26-Role Profile (Word, 495KB)