DCJ Graduate Program

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The support, friendship, and guidance you get from this program is so helpful and comforting. This is an opportunity for a new step in your career alongside so many people that are there to support you." 

-  Emma Ash - Social Work stream graduate in the Social Work Stream (Child Protection).

What's involved in the program?

The DCJ Graduate Program is a structured 18-month program offering hands-on experience, professional development, and a permanent role on completion.

At DCJ, graduates can join a range of streams that reflect the diversity of our work and the breadth of skills needed across the organisation. These may include:

• ·Social work – contributing to child protection, casework, policy, and project work.
• Primary – supporting policy, operations, and service delivery in frontline and corporate contexts.
• Legal – working on legal policy, advice, research, and supporting justice-related initiatives.
• Engineering – contributing to infrastructure, assets, safety, and facilities projects across DCJ sites.

Regardless of stream, all graduates receive:

• Targeted learning and development, aligned to your stream and role.
• Mentoring and coaching from experienced professionals.
• Opportunities to build capability, deliver meaningful work, and make a positive impact on vulnerable communities.

Each stream is offered based on organisational need each year, ensuring graduates are placed where their skills can have the greatest impact.

Why choose the Graduate Program?

• Competitive salary and leave entitlements.
• Support to complete further study.
• A permanent, ongoing role with DCJ when you successfully finish.
• A chance to be part of a cohort of emerging leaders across the public sector.

All DCJ graduate roles are advertised via the NSW Government Graduate Program – iWork for NSW - Graduate Program.