✨ A Quick Guide to Joining the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ)
Are you looking to make a real difference by working in Australia’s public sector? Then strap in! Below is your comprehensive overview of the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). Whether you’re fresh out of school, a qualified tradesperson, or an experienced professional, this article will help you see why DCJ could be your next career move.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Location: Head office in Parramatta, NSW, with additional offices and service sites across the state
CEO: Secretary, Mr. Michael Tidball
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD $17.01 billion (FY 2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: ~30,000
DID YOU KNOW?
The NSW Department of Communities and Justice manages one of the largest property portfolios in NSW—valued at around AUD $10 billion—supporting everything from courts to public housing to youth justice centres. This vast network helps the agency reach people in every corner of the state.
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Equips you with casework and advocacy skills to support vulnerable individuals and families.
Bachelor of Law (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD): Helps interpret legislation and assist in legal proceedings throughout courts and tribunals.
Bachelor of Criminology / Criminal Justice: Ideal for roles in corrective services, offender rehabilitation, or youth justice policy.
Bachelor of Psychology or Counselling: Great for addressing complex behavioral needs in custody or child protection environments.
Diploma / Degree in Public Administration or Business Administration: Useful for policy-making, project management, and administrative leadership.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2 or Agile): Oversees projects, from infrastructure to community initiatives.
Government Investigations (Cert IV): Aids in compliance, monitoring, and investigative roles.
Community Services (Cert III/IV): Provides foundational knowledge for frontline work in housing and family support.
Work Health and Safety (Cert IV): Vital for staff and client safety in high-risk areas like detention centres.
Training and Assessment (TAE40116): Enables you to develop and deliver training programs for staff, inmates, or community members.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited
Electricians: Ensure seamless operations in offices, courts, and correctional centres.
Carpenters / Builders: Carry out refurbishments and structural maintenance across public facilities.
Plumbers: Manage and maintain plumbing in social housing and justice facilities.
IT / Network Technicians: Provide secure digital infrastructure for critical government processes.
Security Officers / Security System Technicians: Help maintain safe environments within correctional centres and court buildings.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited
Soft Skills:
Empathy and Compassion: Essential for supporting people at risk—children, families, or individuals in crisis.
Conflict Resolution: Crucial in de-escalating high-stress situations, especially in custodial or youth settings.
Technical Skills: 3. Data Analysis and Reporting: Informs evidence-based policies and resource allocation.
4. Information Technology: Powers efficient, secure administration and record-keeping.General Skills: 5. Communication and Collaboration: Vital for working with diverse teams, community partners, and clients.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited
Case Management: Familiarity with complex cases in child protection, youth work, or housing support.
Customer Service in a Public-Facing Role: Demonstrates the ability to serve people in high-pressure or vulnerable contexts.
Policy or Program Administration: Experience in designing or administering government initiatives.
Emergency Services or Crisis Support: Shows preparedness for urgent and high-impact scenarios.
Leadership in Community-Based Projects: Reflects capability in uniting stakeholders and delivering local improvements.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Name of CEO: Secretary, Mr. Michael Tidball
Location: Operates statewide across metropolitan, rural, and remote New South Wales
Year Founded: Formed in July 2019 through the merger of predecessor agencies—though its roots run back decades
Main Mission and Purpose:
DCJ strives to build a safer, fairer, and more resilient society by:Managing essential legal services, courts, and tribunals
Delivering public and community housing
Protecting at-risk children and families
Addressing domestic and family violence
Reducing adult and youth reoffending
Real-World Example: When someone faces homelessness, DCJ can arrange emergency accommodation and connect them with the right community programs, ensuring short-term relief and working on long-term stability.
Main Duties of the Organisation:
Operating courts and tribunals to ensure fair access to justice
Providing and maintaining social housing
Coordinating youth justice interventions
Collaborating with NGOs to reduce homelessness and support community services
Working with families in crisis to protect children and encourage stable home environments
Real-World Example: If a young person enters the criminal justice system, DCJ can deliver or fund rehabilitative services—like counseling, education, or case management—to steer them toward a positive path.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Homes NSW: A major push to develop and upgrade social housing stock, including partnerships with Aboriginal Community Housing Providers.
Closing the Gap Initiatives: Targeting a decrease in Aboriginal overrepresentation within child protection and justice systems.
Digital Transformation: Upgrading IT services for improved data security and faster, more reliable support to staff and clients.
Reducing Homelessness: Partnering with non-government organizations to provide crisis accommodation and long-term stability supports.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: ~30,000
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Ranges from entry-level administrative positions to senior executive roles covering frontline, technical, and corporate functions.
Salary Bands:
Administrative / Entry-Level Roles: ~AUD $50,000 – $70,000 per annum
Professional / Specialist Roles: ~AUD $70,000 – $120,000 per annum
Senior Leadership / Management Roles: AUD $120,000+ per annum
Average Salary in the Department: Approximately AUD $80,000 – $90,000, depending on role and seniority
Total Revenue: ~AUD $17.01 billion (FY 2023–24)
Average Revenue per Employee: About AUD $567,000 (total revenue divided by total headcount)
GETTING A JOB AT THE NSW DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITIES AND JUSTICE
Which Academic Subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this organisation?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Community Services: Ideal for frontline roles supporting vulnerable populations.
Justice Services / Correctional Practice: Builds foundational understanding of correctional work.
Business Administration / Project Support: Helps keep large-scale government operations running smoothly.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Law, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work: Offers specialized expertise in policy, legal processes, and human services.
Public Administration or Policy: Equips you to design and implement key initiatives.
PhDs:
Criminology or Social Policy Research: Contribute advanced data analysis, research, and strategic insights to shape future reforms.
Which Trades and Professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department / council?
Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers (essential for property and facility maintenance)
IT Specialists / Network Engineers (support secure and modern service delivery)
Project Managers (oversee major operational and infrastructure projects)
Legal Professionals (backbone of justice-related policy and advisory services)
Social Workers / Caseworkers (frontline support for children, youth, and families)
Which Work Experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department / council?
Frontline Service Delivery (e.g., youth work, domestic violence support)
Policy / Government Administration (understanding of public-sector governance)
Dispute Resolution / Mediation (applicable in courts and community services)
Community Project Implementation (experience in grassroots initiatives)
Financial / Contract Management (critical for budget oversight in public projects)
Which Skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department / council?
Soft Skills:
Effective Communication, Team Collaboration, Adaptability
Technical Skills:
Data Analysis / Reporting, Project Coordination
General Skills:
Problem-Solving, Strong Organizational Abilities
Which Hobbies and Interests align with the work of this organisation?
Volunteering / Community Service: Demonstrates commitment to social impact
Research and Analysis: Helpful in shaping policy or delivering evidence-based programs
Public Speaking or Advocacy: Encourages strong community engagement
Youth Mentoring or Coaching: Supports positive outcomes for young people at risk
Want more information on this organisation?
Contact the Organisation:
Address: 4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
Telephone: (02) 9377 6000
Email: info@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Website:
Job vacancies:
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