The department is committed to keeping Queensland communities safe, supporting victims, and actively tackling the complex causes of youth crime and targeting serious repeat offenders.

Job details

As a Detention Youth Worker, you will be responsible for making sure young people are kept safe and well while they are in detention.

You will be someone who:

• encourages young people to make good decisions by promoting and reinforcing positive behaviour to help them integrate back into the community.
• helps young people understand and follow the rules of the centre.
• can deliver activities that are sensitive to gender, cultural beliefs, and health needs.
• a young person can go to if they need someone to talk to
• checks on young people regularly through the day and night and makes sure they are okay.
• engages young people in constructive activities

The Woodford Youth Detention Centre is scheduled to open in the second half of 2027.

As noted in the role profile and applicant guide, successful applicants for the Detention Youth Worker role are required to complete a mandatory seven week induction training program. Ongoing employment is conditional upon successful completion of this training. This training will be held at a yet to be confirmed venue in the City of Moreton Bay. While most of this training is Monday to Friday, within business hours, it does include a number of workplace shadow shifts, that is, five 12 hour shifts and one 8 hour shift. These shadow shifts will be at a Youth Detention Centre within the Wacol precinct.

Upon successful completion of induction training, staff appointed to the Woodford Youth Detention Centre will be required to work at a Youth Detention Centre in the Wacol precinct until the new centre opens.

Depending on people's particular circumstances, Woodford Youth Detention Centre appointed staff may be eligible for assistance/reimbursement of travel expenses and/or credit for additional travel time during the transition period prior to the Woodford Youth Detention Centre opening. This will be determined on a case by case basis.

If you have any questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at: YouthDetentionRecruitment@youthjustice.qld.gov.au

MULTIPLE POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference:  QLD/684714/26

Closing Date: Tuesday, 5th May 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.

• 684714-26-Applicant Guide - Detention Youth Worker (3) (PDF, 1.09MB)
  
  
  684714-26-Role Profile (Word, 427KB)