The Deputy Director provides high level leadership and management of the youth detention centre in accordance with youth justice philosophy, relevant legislation, procedures, standards and the department’s strategic plan.  This role also provides strategic advice on effective and efficient service delivery and workforce management strategies, and the ongoing professional development and management of staff along with working with young offenders, their families, government and non-government service providers and the community in the development and delivery of innovative and strategic responses to Youth Justice issues within the Townsville region.

Job details

The Deputy Director provides high level leadership and management of the youth detention centre in accordance with youth justice philosophy, relevant legislation, procedures, standards and the department's strategic plan.  This role also provides strategic advice on effective and efficient service delivery and workforce management strategies, and the ongoing professional development and management of staff along with working with young offenders, their families, government and non-government service providers and the community in the development and delivery of innovative and strategic responses to Youth Justice issues within the Townsville region.

Key Responsibilities:

As Deputy Director, you will specifically:

• 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.
• Undertake a transformative leadership role in translating departmental strategy into operational plans and manage human, physical, and financial resources to optimise the performance of the youth detention centre and deliver agreed outcomes.
• Provide proactive high-level support, strategic advice, and information to youth justice management on service delivery, programs, funding, and governance.
• Effectively represent the Department as required in state-wide forums ensuring effective negotiation on youth detention issues, and establish linkages with relevant stakeholders, client groups, local and regional networks
• Develop enduring service delivery partnerships to enhance cross-sectoral participation and identify issues that may impact on the successful implementation of effective management practices for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people and contribute to the development of culturally appropriate practices.
• Foster a culture and philosophy of frontline service delivery, cooperation, teamwork, high quality people management, commitment to excellence and a professional ethic which ensures the detention centre continues to meet the department's priorities.
• Direct the integration of evidence based residential, behaviour support, casework and health and education services and allocate and prioritise team tasks in accordance with relevant legislation, strategic objectives, policies, and contemporary best practice.
• Ensure outcomes are achieved in accommodation, casework, programs (sport, recreational, therapeutic, and cultural) and behaviour support teams by evaluating performance and identifying critical success factors to inform continuous improvement through these teams.
• Maintain a strategic and critical balance in providing a safe and secure detention environment and ensure a range of opportunities are provided for young peoples' rehabilitation, transition, and reintegration into the community.
• Foster an environment that enables external involvement and access, and internal practices that provide as far as possible for a normalised living and working environment in the centre considering the background (including any trauma) and specific needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other at-risk young people in detention.
• Communicate clearly and concisely translating key points into appropriate unambiguous language tailored for the team and other stakeholders and negotiate as required with a strong grasp of key issues affecting youth detention.
• Build consensus and proactively manage conflict resolution processes for young people and staff including grievances and other equity issues.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference:  QLD/684709/26

Closing Date: Tuesday, 21^st April 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.

• 684709-26-Role Profile (Word, 127KB)