Detention Transition Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and a global movement dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. Established with a mission to advocate for children's rights, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers. The organization employs approximately 600 people and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures, and beliefs. The organization is focused on making a significant impact in the lives of children and young people, particularly those in vulnerable situations, and is dedicated to community-driven initiatives that support their development and well-being.

Job Overview:
The Detention Transition Specialist plays a crucial role within the Staying on Track initiative, which is designed to support young people aged 10-17 transitioning from detention back into their communities. This position is based in Townsville but requires a strong connection with the Mount Isa team, emphasizing a collaborative approach to foster brighter futures for youth. The role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, including youth and family workers, local mentors, and community leaders, to ensure that each young person feels connected and supported during their transition. The specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing individual transition plans tailored to the unique needs of each detainee, facilitating case management meetings, and maintaining operational stakeholder relationships critical to the program's success. The overarching goal is to empower young people to pursue education, employment, and personal growth, thereby reintegrating them into society effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Detention Transition Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the Team Leader in implementing the Single Operating Model and Youth Star framework.
• Developing and implementing individual transition plans that cater to the specific needs of each detainee.
• Facilitating case management meetings with multidisciplinary teams and providing detailed handovers to the case management team upon the detainee's release.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with operational stakeholders that are essential for the program's success.
• Facilitating family and community engagement to rebuild relationships and strengthen support networks for the young people.
• Maintaining accurate documentation and contributing to the evaluation of the program to ensure its effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and understanding the complexities of intergenerational trauma.
• Ensuring that the voice of the young person is central to all goal-setting processes, thereby redirecting them from the Youth Justice system.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Detention Transition Specialist position must possess the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated skills and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, particularly those in contact with the justice system.
• Proven experience in youth work or case management roles, showcasing the ability to support young individuals effectively.
• Experience in mentoring and coaching colleagues, indicating strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• A solid understanding of complex intergenerational trauma and its impact on young people.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, essential for effective interaction with young people, families, and stakeholders.
• An understanding of child protection concerns and a commitment to responding safely and effectively to these issues.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Detention Transition Specialist role typically includes a degree in social work, psychology, youth work, or a related field. Candidates should have a solid foundation in theories and practices related to child development, trauma-informed care, and community engagement. Additional certifications or training in areas such as case management, cultural competency, and child protection may also be beneficial and enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial experience in youth work or case management, ideally with a focus on working with young people in the justice system. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully supporting young individuals through challenging transitions and demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. Experience in developing and implementing transition plans, facilitating case management meetings, and engaging with families and communities is essential. Furthermore, familiarity with the complexities of working in remote and rural settings is highly valued, as the role involves collaboration with diverse stakeholders in various contexts.

Languages:
While the primary language for this position is English, proficiency in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages would be considered an asset. Strong communication skills are essential, and candidates should be able to engage effectively with young people and their families from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The ability to communicate in a culturally sensitive manner is crucial for building trust and rapport with the community.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time permanent role based in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, with generous relocation assistance available for candidates moving to the area. The position offers a competitive salary at Level 5.1, which is $51.00 per hour, plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Employees are entitled to extra leave options to ensure optimal performance and well-being. The organization provides supportive management, professional supervision training, and access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. Opportunities for internal deployment, secondment, and career progression within one of Australia’s largest non-profits are also available. The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible for all candidates, reflecting the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion.