* Support young people with complex trauma using a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach
* Work alongside a passionate team to deliver consistent, healing-focused care
* Grow your skills and impact in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment
About the Role
As a Youth Worker in our Therapeutic Residential Care program with Mackillop, you will provide intensive, trauma-informed support to children and young people with complex emotional, behavioural, and psychological needs — many of whom have experienced significant adversity, trauma, or disrupted attachments. These young people cannot be safely supported in foster care and require a highly structured, consistent, and compassionate environment to begin healing.
You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team—including clinicians, care team members, and allied health professionals—to implement individualised therapeutic plans that address the root causes of behaviour, build emotional resilience, and support long-term recovery and development. Your role will be central to helping young people develop trust, experience safety, and form positive, secure relationships in both residential and community settings.
Your Impact
* Build meaningful therapeutic relationships that help young people regulate emotions, develop social skills, and rebuild a sense of self-worth
* Support young people through complex and high-risk behaviours using consistent, trauma-informed practices
* Implement and maintain therapeutic care frameworks based on attachment theory, neurodevelopment, and behaviour support
* Respond effectively to crises while maintaining a calm and supportive presence
* Foster environments where young people feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow
About You
To be successful in this role, you will need:
* A deep commitment to working with children and young people with high and complex needs
* Strong understanding of trauma and its impacts on development and behaviour
* Capacity to remain calm and effective in challenging situations
* Availability for a variety of shifts, including sleepovers and active nights
* Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
* A values-driven approach rooted in compassion, consistency, and respect
Key Selection Criteria
* Experience working therapeutically with young people with complex trauma, mental health challenges, disability, or high-risk behaviours
* Proven ability to follow and implement individualised case plans, behaviour support plans, and safety plans
* Ability to use evidence-informed approaches such as social learning, emotional coaching, and positive behavioural support
* Capacity to contribute to a team culture focused on reflective practice, learning, and continuous improvement
* Willingness to engage in ongoing training and supervision within a therapeutic model of care
For a full position listing, please click APPLY. The Position Description is available for review at the bottom of the page.
Our offer
* Hourly rate: $38.65 to $41.45 as outlined in the SCHADS Award Level 3, dependent on qualification and experience.
* Salary packaging – we can help you maximise your salary packaging up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.
* Paid Training that is industry specific including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Sanctuary and Cultural Awareness training.
* Fitness Passport — discounted workplace health and fitness program available to you and your family.
* Employee Assistance Program — free access to counselling, coaching, and support for work and personal challenges.
* Supportive Environment — monthly supportive meetings with your direct manager.
* Sanctuary Organisation — MacKillop's work is underpinned by the Sanctuary Model, an evidence-supported whole-of-organisation framework that reinforces a safe environment for coping with stress and trauma.
Benefits and Support:
At MacKillop Family Services, we value our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include:
* Generous Salary Packaging: Up to $18,500.
* Ongoing Career Development: Opportunities for education, training, and professional growth.
* Employee Assistance Program: Free and confidential counselling, coaching, and emotional support for work and personal challenges.
Requirements:
To be eligible for this role, you must possess:
* Cert IV in Community Services, or Youth Work (or related) or higher, or be willing to obtain.
* Valid and current Driver's License
* Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop)
* Valid Employee Working with Vulnerable People Check
* Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (MacKillop can assist successful candidates with the application)
How to Apply:
To apply for this opportunity, click Apply and follow the prompts to submit your application via Seek.
Our Commitment:
* MacKillop Family Services celebrates diversity, respects the dignity of all individuals, and promotes a safe and just environment for everyone. We value people's abilities, cultural backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age.
* We are committed to creating a culturally safe and welcoming organization for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Jones at Alexandra.jones@mackillop.org.au
Shortlisting for this role will immediately
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