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Principal Advisor
Reform, Safety & Workforce; Youth Detention Operations; Youth Justice; Brisbane City
Join the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support as a Principal Advisor (AO7) and lead high-impact organisation development and change initiatives across Youth Detention Operation and Reform. Based in Brisbane with flexible working options, you’ll partner with senior leaders to strengthen leadership capability, workforce sustainability and organisational performance in a complex, high-profile environment. This permanent, full-time role offers $133,603 to $143,125 plus 12.75% superannuation and a rewarding opportunity to contribute to safer Queensland communities.
Job details
| Position status | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | HR & Industrial Relations |
| Classification | AO7 |
| Workplace Location | Flexible |
| Job ad reference | QLD/680260/26 |
| Closing date | 11-Mar-2026 |
| Job duration | |
| Contact person | Edwina Farrell |
| Contact details | Phone: 30977663 Access the National Relay Service |
Principal Advisor (AO7)
Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support
Location: Brisbane (with flexible working options) | Permanent | $133,603 to $143,125 + 12.75% super
Are you an experienced organisation development and change professional ready to make a meaningful impact? Join the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support and play a pivotal role in strengthening leadership capability and workforce sustainability across Youth Detention Operation and Reform (YDOR).
Based in Brisbane with flexible working arrangements available, this senior advisory role partners with Youth Detention Centre leadership teams to design, deliver and embed evidence-informed organisation development (OD) and change initiatives. You will operate in a complex, high-profile and operationally critical environment, providing trusted strategic advice that enhances organisational performance and supports long-term reform outcomes.
About the role
Reporting to the HR Manager, you will:
- Provide high-level specialist OD and change advice to senior leaders.
- Lead the end-to-end design, implementation and evaluation of initiatives that strengthen leadership capability, workforce sustainability and performance.
- Translate organisational strategy, workforce analysis and competency frameworks into structured capability pathways and leadership development solutions.
- Deliver strategic workforce planning, succession planning and talent management initiatives.
- Design and embed coaching, mentoring and leadership development programs.
- Apply structured change management approaches, including impact analysis and stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Use workforce data and evaluation frameworks to measure impact and drive continuous improvement.
- Prepare high-quality briefs, submissions and correspondence for senior executives and represent the department in key forums.
This role requires sound judgement, resilience and the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse stakeholders in a high-risk, regulated environment. Travel to regional centres, including occasional overnight stays, will be required.
What we're looking for
You will bring demonstrated experience delivering OD and change initiatives in complex environments, along with advanced capability in diagnosing organisational issues and translating insights into practical solutions. A strong understanding of contemporary OD, workforce planning and change frameworks is essential.
Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Organisational Psychology, Business or a related discipline are highly regarded. A current C Class driver licence and Blue Card screening are required.
Why join us?
- Meaningful work contributing to safer Queensland communities
- Competitive salary and up to 12.75% superannuation
- Flexible working arrangements (Brisbane-based)
- Generous leave entitlements
- Career progression opportunities
- Inclusive, values-driven workplace committed to diversity and human rights
If you are motivated by complex challenges, strategic impact and building sustainable leadership capability, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of youth justice reform in Queensland.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/680260/26
Closing Date: Wednesday, 11th March 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.
