| Position Title | Youth Justice Social Worker – Criminal Law Section |
| Salary | PSO 5.1 – 5.4 ($93,136 – $102,808 per annum) |
| FTE | Full time 37.5 hours per week |
| Location | Alice Springs |
| Commencement | ASAP |
| Reports to | Managing Lawyer – Youth (ASP) |
About NAAJA
The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency is a leading provider of legal services and community support programs to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the Northern Territory. Our mission is to empower and advocate for our clients, working towards a more just and equitable society.
Benefits
- Salary packaging options up to $18,450 per annum tax free (conditions apply)
- Remote allowance of $3,300 per annum
- Annual airfare allowance
- 6 weeks annual leave
- 3 weeks personal leave
- Relocation allowance
About the role
The Youth Justice Social Worker is part of NAAJA’s specialist Youth Justice Team in its Criminal Law Section in Alice Springs. You will support NAAJA to provide culturally safe services for young Aboriginal people, focusing on addressing factors contributing to their offending behaviour through collaboration with lawyers and support networks.
What you’ll be doing
- Conduct assessments to identify unmet psycho-social needs and follow up on supported referrals, while considering the young person’s dignity of risk.
- Collaborate with lawyers and service providers to develop bail and sentencing plans, liaising with agencies such as Territory Families and others.
- Promote and engage in networking, building strong relationships with key stakeholders, and advocate on behalf of young people to facilitate access to external services and supports.
- Provide welfare checks, court support, and assist young people post-release, helping them access support services like accommodation, mental health care, and NDIS.
- Manage case planning, maintain procedures, and keep accurate records for statistical, funding, and reporting purposes.
- Identify service gaps, contribute to policy development, law reform, and community education/training, and assist young people in engaging with diversion programs and community work.
What we’re looking for
Essential
- Relevant qualifications in Social Work that meet AASW membership and clinical social work supervision criteria.
- Strong understanding of the Northern Territory legal system and its impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the justice system.
- Awareness of Aboriginal culture with experience working effectively with clients and families from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict management skills, especially in engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
- Proven ability to manage a high workload with limited supervision, while meeting deadlines and managing time effectively.
- Experience in office procedures, including word processing, file management, data management, and reporting.
- Skills in liaising with agencies and building networks with other services.
Requirements
- A current NT Driver’s License
- Ability to obtain a “Working with Children Clearance” (Ochre Card) upon commencement.
- Satisfactory criminal history check
- Ability and willingness to travel to and work in remote communities.
How to Apply
If you’re looking to make a lasting impact in Indigenous youth justice and join a team doing meaningful work, we want to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.
For more information, see position description Youth Justice Social Worker – ASP
Enquiries can be sent to recruitment@naaja.org.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.