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: $85,196 – $97,915 per annum + 6.5% Corrections Allowance + Superannuation
• Commencing 1st February 2027, with 7 Weeks of full-time, paid induction training
• Permanent full-time role with 6.5% corrections allowance on the top of your base salary
• After completion of training, you will work a shift-based roster including weekends and nights
• 5 Weeks of recreational leave per year
• Generous penalty and overtime rates
• Formal training, supervision and development to build your expertise
• Structured annual salary progression in line with experience and performance
• Generous relocation support, including assistance with temporary accommodation, travel expenses and removalist costs
• Employee Assistance Program and Wellbeing Program
• Access to Fitness Passport, purchase leave scheme, and Novated Lease

For more information about the benefits we’re offering, visit our Youth justice careers webpage. 

Essential Requirements

To be eligible, you must have:

• Have a current Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People Employment/Volunteer Status, or the ability to obtain
• Satisfy the pre-employment check
• Able to meet psychological suitability and physical fitness deemed appropriate for custodial youth justice duties. *Suitable applicants will be required to undergo psychological testing and to consent to an independent medical assessment to confirm their suitability for this role.

If successful, you must be available to complete seven weeks of full-time, paid induction training. For more information, please refer to the Statement Of Duties (PDF)

For a confidential conversation about the role contact Carole or Bernita, Talent Acquisition Consultants on 03 6166 0308 or talentteam@decyp.tas.gov.au.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your resume and application form, including your response to the below questions: 

• 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?

See our Information for Applicants for guidance on completing your application. We strongly encourage all applicants to talk to the talent team for an overview of the role. Applications close at 11.30pm AEDT on the advertised closing date. 

About Us

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.

The Department for Education, Children and Young People is proudly Tasmanian Government’s core child-centred agency. Everything we do is to support children, young people and their families. At AYDC, we provide a secure, therapeutic environment focused on rehabilitation, education, and positive reintegration into the community.

We welcome applications from people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals who identify as LGBTIQ+, people with disability, neurodivergent individuals, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of all ages. We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible for everyone. If you need any adjustments, please contact us, we’ll happily work with you.

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 or part-time vacancies in accordance with Employment Direction 1.

The cost associated with obtaining a Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People is the responsibility of the individual.