Orana Juvenile Justice Centre is recruiting youth officers

It’s the first time in 15 years the OJJC has hosted a recruitment drive, and it’s all in an effort to build its bank of youth officers.

The OJJC has a capacity of 30 young people and accommodates males mainly from the Central and Far West areas of NSW who are on control orders or remanded in custody.

Centre manager, Mr Appleyard, said while the youth officer role comes with its challenges, it is a rewarding career in mentoring and monitoring the progression of youth. 

“We want to recruit a different group of people who are interested in taking up the challenge of working with these complex kids,” he said. “If you’re up for a challenge it’s the job for you. It pays well and is morally rewarding – it’s a good opportunity to get your foot in the door.”

Emma Brown, 27, has been a youth officer at the OJJC for almost four years after originally working in community services.

She said the best thing about the role is watching the boys grow and improve, and that working with the staff, being put through training and being faced with something different every day keeps the job interesting.

Emma believes her role impacts the whole community in that she works to reduce reoffending through rehabilitation.

OJJC is recruiting both ongoing and casual youth officers. There is no gender preference and no prior experience or training in the field is required, only a drivers licence, First Aid certificate and a working with children check.

“It’s challenging seeing the cases these kids have, the amount of disadvantage and trauma these kids have can be challenging mentally but it’s part of the training to respond to that and help kids overcome it,” Mr Appleyard said. “People of all ages and genders should feel free to apply as Juvenile Justice is an equal opportunity workplace.”

Those interested can attend the information night held at 6pm on Monday, January 30.