Support young people in the justice system – join a purpose-driven team making a real impact in Cairns.
- SCHADS Award Level 5
- Full time fixed term contract until 30 September 2026
- Based in Cairns with YETI | Subcontracted through YAC
- Great team culture
- Generous salary sacrifice benefits
- Based in Cairns
About the role
We are seeking a Youth Court & Watch House Support Worker to join our Cairns team. This position is a short term, fixed term opportunity funded by the Queensland Governments Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support under the Bail Support Program. The role is ready for immediate commencement and will naturally conclude on 30 September 2026. The role supports the Cairns and Yarrabah Youth Bail Support Service (CYYBSS), providing practical and advocacy-based support to young people (aged 10–17) involved with the youth justice system.
You’ll provide on-the-ground support to young people (10–17 years) involved with the youth justice system—whether in the Cairns Watch House, Children’s Court, and connecting to bail support services.
Key tasks include:
- Attending court and watch house to support young people
- Facilitating access to legal and family support
- Conducting welfare checks and linking young people to services
- Liaising with police, lawyers, Youth Justice, and other stakeholders
- Advocating for young people and their families
- Managing case notes and referrals
You will work in close collaboration with YETI staff in Cairns and report remotely to YAC’s Youth and Court Support Coordinator in Brisbane.
About you
You are an experienced, confident professional who brings calm, clarity, and empathy to high-pressure environments. You are passionate about advocating for young people and understand the challenges they face when interacting with the justice system, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
You’re a self-starter with great interpersonal skills, a collaborative spirit, and a solid understanding of trauma-informed practice and referral pathways.
Key Requirements:
- A degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field, or equivalent relevant experience
- At least 3 years’ experience in a similar role, preferably within the youth justice system
- High-level oral communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with young people from diverse backgrounds
- Experience with case management, assessment and referral processes
- Strong cultural competency when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and families
- High-level time management and record-keeping abilities
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and the rights of children and young people
About Us
At the Youth Advocacy Centre, we are deeply committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and values-driven workplace. We understand the importance of staff wellbeing and strive to foster a positive, respectful environment where everyone feels valued. You’ll be part of a friendly, professional team of coordinators, case workers, youth workers, social workers, and support staff who are passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people.
As a well-established not-for-profit organisation, we have been supporting young people in the Brisbane area for over 40 years. Our programs and services are grounded in social justice and human rights, and our mission is to empower young people to reach their full potential and participate meaningfully in their communities. We are proud of our reputation for delivering high-quality, youth-focused services.
If you're looking for a role where your work is valued and you can contribute to positive social change within a collaborative team, we’d love to hear from you.
YAC values diversity in all its forms and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people; those from ethnically diverse communities; and LGBTIQ+ persons.
To find out more details about this role and to enable you to address the essential requirements in your application, please refer to the full Position Description on our website https://www.yac.net.au/vacancies/ ).
To apply
Please submit your application via SEEK and ensure that you address all criteria including both:
- current CV/resumé including the names and contact details of at least two recent or current referees
- 1 page response addressing the essential requirements listed under “Required skills and qualifications” and a summary of your previous experience.
Important: Applications without the above components will not be considered.
If you have any questions regarding this position, please email katy@yac.net.au or phone 0432 522 190
Applications close 5.00pm, Friday, 17 July 2026. Early applications are encouraged as we will begin interviewing suitable candidates as they are received.
