• Great opportunity to join the Youth Parole Board on a fixed-term basis to 30 June 2027 at the Parkville Youth Justice Precinct, with prospects for extension
• Make a positive difference in keeping our community safe
• Attractive salary between $142,790 - $191,084 plus superannuation

The Youth Parole Board (the Board) is an independent statutory body established under the Youth Justice Act 2024.  It exercises jurisdiction over all young people sentenced by a court to be detained in a youth justice custodial centre, and also those who are transferred to a youth justice custodial centre by the Adult Parole Board after being sentenced to a term of imprisonment in an adult prison.

The Board issues parole orders, may set or amend the terms and conditions of a parole order, and may cancel a young person's parole.

In carrying out its functions, the Board interviews young people in detention, and requests and considers a range of information including case histories, reports from professionals, assessments, and court documents to make decisions regarding parole orders.

The opportunity 

• Provide strategic leadership and direction in overseeing the Secretariat's operational and planning activities.
• Provide high-level, authoritative and strategic advice, briefings and reports to Board members, and Youth Justice executive management on all aspects of the Board's operations.
• Provide high-level leadership, direction, and guidance to the Secretary of the Youth Parole Board and Secretariat staff.
• Lead the Board's implementation of legislative and operational reforms, including the effective transition to new requirements under the Youth Justice Act 2024.

To be successful in this role you will have

• Knowledge and understanding of the role of the Youth Parole Board within the operations of the Victorian Youth Justice system and broader operating context.
• Knowledge and understanding of the relevant provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2024, and reforms specifically impacting the Youth Parole Board.
• Knowledge and experience of Youth Justice custodial and community operations.  
• Experience in public sector management and administration at a senior leadership level.

An appropriate tertiary qualification in public policy, criminology, law or other social sciences field will be highly regarded.

You will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) to be maintained by the employee for the period of employment.

To learn more about the type of skills you will need to thrive in this role, please read the position description.

If you have any queries, please contact Mia Hollick on mia.hollick@justice.vic.gov.au

What's in it for you?

You will be working for the Department of Justice and Community Safety, which is one arm of the Victorian State Government, a recognised top employer of choice nationally. All our staff work to the vision of a safe, just, innovative and thriving Victoria.

There are many advantages in working for the department, including:

1. Job stability – position as a member of the Victorian Public Service (VPS).
2. A fair salary– enjoy great work conditions and salary sacrificing options.
3. Transparent performance framework– approach your work with confidence in how you're tracking, working to professional development plans agreed on by you and your manager.
4. Generous leave entitlements– provisions for many forms of leave; including personal, parental, carers, study, cultural, compassionate, and sick leave.
5. Employee Assistance Program support – you are encouraged to use this short-term, confidential counselling service if you're experiencing emotional stress, relationship problems, conflict with others or personal issues. It is also available for financial counselling and retirement planning.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact Aboriginalrecruitment@justice.vic.gov.au if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.

For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made

We want to make sure all Victorians feel represented by the department's work. One of the ways we do this is by recruiting a diverse workforce – we welcome people of any gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability and cultural background. We are also committed to the Victorian Government's promise to increase the number of veterans working in the public sector.

We're proud of our individual differences. We're proud of the many languages we speak and the stories we can share with each other. We hope you will share your story too.

If this sounds like a compelling job that you believe your skills would be a great match for, please APPLY NOW. Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday 11th October 2026.

How to apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.