About the role 

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of youth detention service delivery in Queensland and to help deliver real and enduring outcomes for youth offenders. 

We are seeking a highly skilled, innovative and experienced strategic leader to establish, commission and operate high-quality, culturally responsive client services within the Woodford Youth Detention Centre (WYDC). WYDC is a new facility currently under construction, with the staged opening scheduled to commence in late 2027. 

WYDC will form part of Queensland’s state-wide youth detention network operating under the leadership of the Senior Executive Director, Youth Detention Operations, and established by the Executive Director. The Deputy Director Client Services is a senior leadership role within the executive team and will report directly to the Executive Director, WYDC.

 

This pivotal position provides strategic leadership and innovation, professional oversight, and operational guidance to ensure the delivery of high-quality, coordinated client services within the Youth Justice system.

 

The Deputy Director Client Services is responsible for supervising the Manager Client Services, Senior Practice Leader and Client Services Team, driving systemic improvements, and fostering collaboration across internal and external stakeholders to enhance outcomes for detained youth. This role also plays a critical part in advancing cultural capability and inclusivity, particularly in addressing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the Youth Justice system.

About the centre

Situated in Woodford, Moreton Bay, the WYDC is well-connected to Brisbane and surrounding areas via major highways, making it accessible for families, staff and services, with minimal disruption to surrounding communities.

It features holistic and functional design elements which aim to support rehabilitation of youth and enhance community safety. Key features include:

• 112 beds, split across two 56-bed campuses with shared facilities

• Smaller, home-like accommodation units (8 or fewer beds per unit) to foster collaboration between young people, staff, and stakeholders

• Consultation and treatment rooms

• Multipurpose spaces for education, skills development, and training

• Areas for physical activity and green spaces

• Dedicated spaces for cultural connection, faith, and spiritual support.

 

About the Department of Youth Justice and Vicitm Support 

The department is committed to keeping Queensland communities safe. Everyone deserves a life free from violence and fear. We are actively tackling the complex causes of youth crime and addressing serious repeat offenders and ensuring our systems and services not only meet but anticipate the needs of victims.

 

We employ an inclusive culture that respects and promotes human rights and diversity. We respectfully journey together to aspire to be the most culturally capable youth justice and victim support agency in the nation. We are an inclusive, equal employment opportunity employer and place value on our diverse workforce. We encourage applicants representing all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disability or family responsibilities to apply.

More information about Youth Justice and Victim Support is available from Queensland Government, Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support.

Base location and travel requirements 

While the permanent base for this role will be at the new centre in Woodford, during the construction phase the successful applicant will be temporarily based at either our Brisbane CBD office, Wacol or a location in close proximity to the centre. The role may require occasional travel to other centres and office locations, which could include overnight stays.

What we can offer you

•  Work-life balance 

•  Competitive salary 

•  Benefits including up to 12.75% superannuation

•  Generous leave entitlements

•  Career progression opportunities.

We value diversity and cultural capability, and the department is an equal opportunity employer which supports a healthy working environment that is free from all forms of harassment, workplace bullying, discrimination, and violence.

 

Mandatory requirements 

•  A relevant qualification from an accredited Australian tertiary institution, or a comparable overseas qualification in human services or a related field. 

•  This role is designated as Regulated employment as the position provides support services to children and young people and therefore will require a valid Blue Card to be linked with the organisation prior to starting. Please refer to the Blue Card Services website (www.bluecard.qld.gov.au/) for further information. 

 

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