These changes are the result of a review agreed as part of the negotiations for a new industrial agreement between the Department of Justice and the CPSU-CSA.
YCOs are integral to delivering a new therapeutic model of care at Banksia Hill Detention Centre to better rehabilitate young people and make the facility safer for detainees and staff.
“It’s pleasing that we’ve been able to implement a new salary structure that reflects the complex and challenging nature of the duties performed by Youth Custodial Officers,” Department Director General Dr Adam Tomison said.
“YCOs undertake training that equips them with specialist skills and knowledge to work with young people in detention who often present with cognitive disabilities, mental health issues and traumas,” Dr Tomison said.
Key requirements for staff under the model of care include improved cultural competency, a greater focus in case management of throughcare and referrals and engaging in trauma-informed approaches.
The Department during pay negotiations with the CPSU-CSA, agreed to review the classifications for different categories of YCOs.
The increased rates would see rank and file YCOs paid an annual base salary of between $79,156 and $84,977.
Unit Managers would receive base rates of between $87,712 and $92,057 and Senior YCOs $96,307-$105,254.
The pay rises will be backdated to 1 July 2023 and supersede temporary allowances.
Under existing arrangements, those salaries are bolstered by a further 19 per cent to cover shifts over weekends and public holidays.
Corrective Services Commissioner Mike Reynolds said the community recognised that managing and safeguarding detainees was no easy task.
“In order for us to both attract and retain YCOs, they need to be properly compensated for the essential services they provide to this challenging group of young people in detention,” Commissioner Reynolds said. “This new salary structure achieves that.”
