Jenna Cosgrove
Blue Mountains,NSW
Summary
Results-driven Communities and Justice professional with 9 years in Youth Justice, Corrective Services, Child Protection, and Community Services. Leverages operational insights from custodial and community environments to lead program coordination and cross-agency initiatives. Aiming to enhance Youth Justice as a Project Officer, focusing on operational improvements and effective program implementation to improve outcomes for youth and community.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
Work History
Child Protection Caseworker
Department of Communities and Justice
Springwood
10.2024 - Current
- Manage statutory child protection cases involving complex family dynamics, coordinating services and interventions to support child safety, family capacity and long-term permanency outcomes.
- Conduct complex risk and safety assessments in response to reports of harm, analysing information from multiple sources to inform decision-making and develop safety and case plans for vulnerable children.
- Engaged with children, parents and carers to assess needs and identify strengths, facilitating positive change within families facing significant challenges.
- Collaborated with government and non-government agencies, including education, health and community services, to coordinate support and enhance outcomes for children and families.
- Apply evidence-based practice and professional judgement to guide decision-making in high-risk and complex situations, contributing to multidisciplinary discussions and case planning processes.
- Prepare comprehensive case documentation, court reports and evidence to support legal proceedings and ensure compliance with legislative and policy requirements.
- Developed insight into interactions between statutory services and community programs, informing understanding of system pathways for vulnerable children and families.
Community Development and Services Lead
Belong Blue Mountains Inc
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Led the coordination of service delivery teams across DCJ-funded TEI and SARC programs, including Be Ready Emergency Preparedness and Community Development initiatives.
- Initiated and coordinated Circle of Security Parenting pilot program at Bolwarra Transitional Centre in partnership with Gateway Family Services and Corrective Services.
- Developed and maintained relationships with TEI service providers and community sectors to enhance service delivery.
- Ensured program compliance with legislative requirements, maintained service records, and facilitated continuous improvement initiatives.
- Managed the Out of School Hours childcare Centre, and team of educators in accordance with the National Quality Framework and NSW Department of Education standards, supporting the service to achieve full accreditation.
Community Corrections Officer
Corrective Services NSW
05.2020 - 07.2023
- Managed complex offender caseloads using evidence-based interventions to reduce recidivism and promote community safety.
- Coordinated with police, treatment providers, and community services to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.
- Prepared court reports and risk assessments that guided judicial and parole decisions.
- Maintained detailed case documentation and data reports to ensure compliance with operational and legislative requirements.
Youth Officer - Admissions/Custodial Units
Youth Justice NSW
Cobham
09.2017 - 05.2020
- Supervised and supported young people in custody across residential units, enhancing safety, behavioural development, and positive engagement.
- Managed custodial unit with multidisciplinary team, ensuring effective supervision, security, and mentoring.
- Worked closely with Youth Justice caseworkers to support case planning and goal development for young people on remand and those progressing toward reintegration into the community.
- Contributed to the High Risk Young Offenders Review Panel, providing operational insight into the behaviour management of complex young people across the state, alongside psychologists, Justice Health staff and custodial leadership.
- Gained operational experience across custodial environments, including high-risk management units and admissions, strengthening understanding of detention centre and court processes, and needs of vulnerable young people in custody.
- Acted as a workplace representative, supporting colleagues to raise concerns and contributing to discussions around wellbeing, safety and professional standards.
Enriching Kids Program Coordinator
The Parks Community Network Inc
03.2017 - 09.2017
- Designed and implemented evidence-based programs for socially isolated children, promoting emotional well-being and conflict resolution.
- Facilitated referrals and collaborated with DCJ and agencies to provide ongoing support for families in need.
- Evaluated program effectiveness and informed strategic planning and grant applications to enhance program impact.
Support Worker
Sylvanvale Foundation
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Developed behaviour support plans and facilitated lifestyle planning to meet NDIS goals.
- Supported individuals with mental health disabilities to enhance community participation and improve health management.
- Ensured compliance with mandatory reporting and occupational health and safety procedures.
Education
Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice -
Griffith University
Mount Gravatt01-2016
Bachelor of Social Science - Psychology
Charles Sturt University
Bathurst01-2012
Higher School Certificate -
Katoomba High School
Katoomba01-2008
Certificate IV in Correctional Practice -
Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy, TAFE NSW
Certificate IV in Youth Justice - CHC40513
Yasmar Youth Justice Training Facility, TAFE NSW
NSWSkills
- Program coordination
- Program implementation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Agency collaboration
- Leadership
- Team coordination
- Case management
- Data analysis
- Conflict resolution
- Crisis intervention
- Resource allocation
- Program development
Volunteer Experience
- Client Support Officer, Blacktown Community Hub/St Vincent De Paul Society, Offered client-focused support to vulnerable individuals and families in need of emergency relief and ongoing referrals.
- Volunteer, Shine for Kids, Supported children and families affected by parental incarceration through in-visit programs and child and family Centre activities.
Certification
Working with Children Check, WWC0308049E, 12/03/29
References
Tim Warton
Senior Manager, Practice and Implementation
Youth Justice NSW
tim.warton@dcj.nsw.gov.au
0420 604 366
Danielle Wilding-Forbes
Community Engagement Manager Belong Blue Mountains
0413 846 563
Linda Burridge
Manager Goulburn Community Corrections
Corrective Services NSW
linda.burridge@dcj.nsw.gov.au
0475 968 723
Jody Stewart
Aboriginal Permanency Coordinator/Practice Coach
DCJ Child Protection NSW
jodie.stewart@dcj.nsw.gov.au
0459 872 725
Col Smith
Unit Manager Admissions/Acting Assistant Manager
Youth Justice NSW
col.smith@justice.nsw.gov.au
029833655
Nathan Hoovers
Unit Manager
Youth Justice NSW
nathan.hoovers@justice.nsw.gov.au
Unit Manager
Timeline
Child Protection Caseworker
Department of Communities and Justice
10.2024 - Current
Community Development and Services Lead
Belong Blue Mountains Inc
07.2023 - 07.2024
Community Corrections Officer
Corrective Services NSW
05.2020 - 07.2023
Youth Officer - Admissions/Custodial Units
Youth Justice NSW
09.2017 - 05.2020
Enriching Kids Program Coordinator
The Parks Community Network Inc
03.2017 - 09.2017
Support Worker
Sylvanvale Foundation
01.2017 - 04.2017
Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice -
Griffith University
Bachelor of Social Science - Psychology
Charles Sturt University
Higher School Certificate -
Katoomba High School
Certificate IV in Correctional Practice -
Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy, TAFE NSW
Certificate IV in Youth Justice - CHC40513
Yasmar Youth Justice Training Facility, TAFE NSW