About Us
The Department for Education, Children and Young People is Tasmania’s child-centred agency. Everything we do is focused on supporting children, young people and their families.
Ashley Youth Detention Centre (AYDC) is Tasmania’s only custodial youth justice facility. We provide a secure, therapeutic environment where young people are supported to grow, learn and reintegrate into the community. Our team works together to promote safety, wellbeing and respectful relationships, helping young people build better futures.
About the Role
This is more than a job — it’s a chance to positively influence young lives.
As a Youth Worker, you’ll support young people in a structured, secure environment, helping them develop life skills, make better choices, and prepare for life beyond custody. You’ll work as part of a multidisciplinary team using trauma-informed and restorative approaches to build trust and promote change.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing consistent care, supervision and support
- Building respectful, professional relationships with young people
- Responding to challenging behaviour using approved de-escalation techniques
- Supporting case plans and rehabilitation programs
- Being a positive role model and mentor
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for people with the right mindset, not just qualifications.
You might have a Certificate IV in Youth or Community Services — but what matters most is your ability to connect, stay calm under pressure, and support young people through tough moments.
You’ll bring:
- A genuine drive to help young people build better futures
- Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills
- The ability to provide structure, care and supervision
- Confidence in managing challenging behaviour using therapeutic approaches
- Life experience, resilience and emotional intelligence
What we are offering
- Salary range: $81,915 – $94,263 per annum
- 5 weeks of recreation leave
- 6.5% Corrections Allowance, plus generous penalty and overtime rates
- A values-led workplace built on Connection, Courage, Growth, Respect and Responsibility
- Ongoing training, development and career progression
- Certificate IV in Youth Justice – nationally recognised qualification provided as part of your training
- Wellbeing Connect Program
- Workplace health and fitness program
- A supportive, inclusive and dynamic team environment
- Shift-based work including weekends and nights
For more information about the benefits we’re offering, visit our Youth justice careers webpage.
Applicants should be aware that for twelve (12) months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill any subsequent full-time, part-time or casual vacancies.
Essential Requirements
You will be required to:
- Current Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (Employment Status) – Tasmania.
- Able to meet psychological suitability and physical fitness deemed appropriate for custodial youth justice duties. *Suitable applicants will be required to undergo psychological testing prior to interview and to consent to an independent medical assessment to confirm their suitability for this role.
If successful, you must be available to complete six weeks of full-time, paid induction training.
For more information about qualifications, pre-employment checks and eligibility requirements, please refer to the Statement of duties.
Statement Of Duties (PDF)
Statement Of Duties (DOCX)
Information for Applicants (PDF)
How to apply
Applications close at 11.59pm, Sunday 12th October 2025.
To apply, please submit an application form, resume and written statement answering:
- What has interested or motivated you to apply for this role?
- What skills, knowledge, or personal attributes would you bring to the role of Youth Worker that would help you make a positive impact on young people at Ashley Youth Detention Centre?
We strongly encourage all applicants to talk to our contact officer for an overview of the role.
Applicant Guide
Application Process - Youth Worker - Custodial
Contact us for more information
Name: Shaun Donohue
Email: shaun.donohue@decyp.tas.gov.au
Phone: (03) 6701 2245