Senior Assistant Manager, Leadership and Development

About this role

• Provide strategic leadership within the Operational Leadership & Capability team.
• Support the design and delivery of leadership and capability programs, including the precinct Higher Duties Assignment process.
• Oversee operational aspects of the employee lifecycle, including staff supervision, resource coordination, and hands-on coaching to strengthen leadership skills in daily operation

 The opportunity 

• 2 Ongoing, Full time positions, one based at Parkville Youth Justice Precinct & one at Cherry Creek Youth Justice Precinct with travel to other offices within the department.
• YJW5 role, earning $118,818 - $136,747 per year plus super.
• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of leadership and capability development initiatives, with a focus on cultivating leadership capability and supporting long-term succession strategies across the operational workforce.
• Proactively manage and mentor Assistant Managers within the Operational Leadership & Capability team, ensuring regular and meaningful supervision, professional development, and performance accountability.
• Deliver tailored coaching and developmental support to Youth Justice custodial staff across all career stages, fostering operational competence, leadership capabilities and long-term career growth.

The Senior Assistant Manager, Leadership & Development plays a key leadership role within the Operational Leadership & Capability team, overseeing the Assistant Managers Staff Transition & Development.

The Senior Assistant Manager, Leadership & Development role supports staff performance in their current roles in preparation for future leadership responsibilities. A strong focus is placed on improving leadership, coaching staff, , enhancing retention, and supporting ongoing professional development. The Senior Assistant Manager will also be responsible for working closely with senior stakeholders such as directors and senior leadership with a results driven approach.

 

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Strong operational background in custodial or justice environments, with deep understanding of case management, supervision, and safety and security procedures.
• Extensive experience developing and delivering leadership, management, and capability-building programs tailored to frontline and operational staff in high-risk settings.
• The ability to maintain a strong level of integrity while maintaining ethical behaviour in a high-pressure custodial setting.
• Lead capability and succession initiatives across Youth Justice and develop operational teams, including coaching, mentoring, and performance oversight in dynamic and challenging environments.
• Work across the department and precincts to build strong partnerships with key stakeholders to deliver alignment and shared operational outcomes
• Thorough knowledge of the Youth Justice Act 2024 and Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 and its application in custodial practice, staff conduct, and training design

A full driver's licence is required due to the need to be able to work flexibly across both custodial precincts and community offices, based on operational requirements.

A current employee Working with Children Check (WWCC) card is required and will need to be provided prior to commencement of employment by the applicant. Currency will need 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.

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:

• Job stability – position as a member of the Victorian Public Service (VPS).
• A fair salary– enjoy great work conditions and salary sacrificing options.
• 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.
• Generous leave entitlements– provisions for many forms of leave; including personal, parental, carers, study, cultural, compassionate, and sick leave.
• 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.

If you have any queries, please contact Barbara Ryan on 0439 029 614 or barbara.ryan@justice.vic.gov.au  

 

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 20 July 2025.

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.