Here at the Department of Human Services (DHS), we strive to deliver modern programs, services and policy that strengthen communities and enable South Australians to actively participate in community life. With people at the heart of what we do and a commitment to child safety, ageing well and supporting people with disability, we work to increase inclusion, independence and decision-making, and help our communities when it matters most.
About the Business
Our Youth Justice and Inclusion Support team provides custodial and community-based care, supervision and support for young people aged between ***** years who are subject to police or court mandates. Through targeted programs and service development, they help with rehabilitation, desistance from offending and reconnection with community. They also support young people and adults who may be at risk of harming themselves or others due to radical or extremist views and provide an early-intervention African Communities Response to youth who are from African diaspora and at risk of entering the criminal justice system.
Role Details
Do you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people? The Department of Human Services is hiring Youth Workers to work at Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre. Youth workers support young people aged ******** in custody to return to their communities and empower them to build better lives for themselves.
Youth Workers are role models who support young people --many of whom have faced significant trauma and challenges in their lives. The role requires youth workers to be consistent, fair, dependable, and treat everyone with respect. As a Youth Worker, you are required to:
keep young people safe and support their wellbeing
handle tough situations calmly and resolve conflict professionally and respectfully
connect with young people from all walks of life, including Aboriginal and culturally diverse backgrounds
balance care and boundaries, role modelling and encouraging positive community standards and behaviour.
Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre Youth Justice is a division of the Department for Human Services and is responsible for contributing to building safer South Australian communities. Youth Justice has statutory responsibility for the supervision of young people subject to a range of criminal justice mandates.
Programs and services within Youth Justice aim to achieve this by supporting children and young people to:
desist from offending
recognise the impact of their crime on victims
access opportunities to participate safely and productively in the community.




The service delivery model for Youth Justice is oriented towards encouraging young people to take responsibility whilst recognising that children and young people have specific developmental needs different to those of adults and consequently require a youth justice response. Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre in Cavan is a modern custodial facility for young people aged 10 to 21. Designed around international best practice, it combines state-of-the-art security with an open campus environment that promotes rehabilitation, learning, and social development. Recent upgrades have delivered innovative and therapeutic spaces that support both the physical and psychological wellbeing of young people.
About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a safe and supportive custodial environment where young people can thrive. The role focuses on building social and life skills, guiding positive behaviour change, and supporting successful transitions back into the community. It involves delivering programs that promote development and rehabilitation, strengthening family and care connections, and ensuring access to education along with cultural, sporting, and social activities.
What We're Looking For
a genuine interest in working with children and young people, with a commitment to making a positive impact on their lives
calm, empathetic individuals who can build trust and connect naturally with young people within a professional capacity
people with diverse backgrounds --such as coaching, mentoring, or working with Aboriginal communities --or life experiences that inspire a desire to help others.
If you are recommended and placed in our Employment Pool, your application will remain active for 12 months. You could be contacted at any time during this period and offered an opportunity to commence employment with us (which includes induction and training).
What We Offer
employment at the YJW3 level: $74,095 - $79,773 per annum (shift penalties will apply which can increase your salary by up to $15,000 per annum
opportunities for less experienced applicants at YJW2 level ($66,416 - $69,504 per annum + shift penalties) are also offered as part of this job listing
a meaningful career opportunity in a values-based organisation
on-the-job training and continuous learning
opportunities for career progression
Relevant experience will be of significant help to your application, we are seeking volunteer or working experience in industries such as:
Residential Care / Child Protection
Disability Care
Education & Early Childhood Learning
Health
Corrections
SAPOL
Resilience, adaptability,



and a focus on understanding and supporting young people to thrive and reach their potential
Relevant qualifications will also be of help to your application, but are not essential.
Special Conditions
National Police Check required.
Employment-related Screening Check required.
Must hold a current Senior First Aid certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to an offer of employment.
Undergo and maintain a psychological assessment to work at Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre (or any other training centre established under the Youth Justice Administration Act ****).
Undertake relevant medical and functional assessments to ensure your safety and suitability to support young people in a crisis.
Be available for shift work including nights, weekends, and public holidays. The start and finish times may vary, however as a Youth Worker you will be required to work across only the AM (6:50am to 3pm), PM (2:50pm to 11pm) shifts.
Must hold a current Australian driver's licence (full licence, minimum class `C' - South Australian) and be willing and able to drive all government vehicles within your licence classification during the course of your duties.
Additional Information
You are required to submit a cover letter, up to a maximum of 2 pages, addressing how your skills, experience and capabilities align with the role description. You are also required to provide three work referees, one of whom must be your recent line manager, and attach your current resume via the online application form. For further information and how to apply for this role please visit our DHS website
Enquiries to
:
DHS Youth Justice Recruitment
Phone: ******** ***
Email: ******
Diversity and Inclusion
DHS is committed to making our services and workplaces safe and inclusive for all people and ensuring the full diversity of the communities we serve are represented in our workforce, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and/or neurodivergence, young people, older people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse people.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you require assistance with this process, please contact us at ****** and a member of the team will get back to you.
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible working arrangements for this role.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We also celebrate the many strengths and skills people with disability and/or neurodivergent people bring to our workplace and acknowledge our role in ensuring a supportive work workplace for people with disability and/or neurodivergent people to thrive in.

📌 Youth Worker (Adelaide)
🏢 Department of Human Services
📍 Adelaide