This position is only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent pursuant to Section 56 (2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984
Pay: $71,589 - $77,075 per year + 12% super
Shift penalties can increase your pay by up to $15,000 per year
Help our kids grow up strong, safe and proud
This role is about looking after our kids and helping them stay connected to culture, community and identity. If you care about young people, have strong community values, and want to make a real difference — this job is for you.
You don't need qualifications to start.
If you bring lived experience, cultural knowledge and a willingness to learn, you'll be supported every step of the way.
What you'll be doing
As a Child & Youth Worker, you'll work with children and young people in residential care and:
• Be a trusted adult they can rely on
• Create safe spaces for yarns, learning and healing
• Support daily life — meals, school, sport and community activities
• Share culture, stories and connection to Country
• Provide calm, trauma-aware support during tough moments
• Help young people build confidence, independence and pride
• Support non-Aboriginal staff to work in culturally safe ways.
Why mob choose this role
We know people stay in roles where they feel supported, respected and valued. You'll get:
• Purposeful work: Make a real difference for Aboriginal children and young people
• Paid training: Earn while you complete a Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention
• Job security: Ongoing roles with steady income
• Work–life balance: Up to 5 weeks annual leave (full-time), 12% super and penalty rates
• Strong cultural support: Cultural mentors, peer networks and culturally safe counselling for you and your family
• Career pathways: Opportunities to grow into senior, specialist or leadership roles
• Health support: free flu vaccinations
• Wellbeing benefits: Access to over 1,700 gyms and pools through Fitness Passport (family included).
This role could suit if you
• Care about kids and community
• Can stay calm when things get tough
• Build trust easily with young people
• Share culture and life experience in a positive way
• Are willing to learn and grow on the job
• Are comfortable with shift work.
No formal qualifications needed to apply.
What you'll need
• SA Driver's Licence (P2 or above)
• Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain)
• First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to complete a paid 8-week induction
• Availability for rotating shifts (AM, PM, nights, weekends and public holidays).
Night-shift only roles available (full-time, part-time or casual).
Experience that's helpful (but not required)
• Youth or community work
• Mentoring or coaching
• Disability or aged care
• Cultural or community leadership roles.
How the process works
We keep the process clear and supportive:
• Medical and psychological checks (paid by employer)
Successful applicants join a 12-month recruitment pool and start with a fully paid 8-week induction.
Need help applying?
We want this process to feel welcoming.
You can speak directly with the Principal Aboriginal Workforce Consultant for support:
You can also reach the recruitment team at:
About the employer
The Department for Child Protection supports children and families across South Australia to be safe, strong and connected. We are committed to growing an Aboriginal workforce and creating culturally safe workplaces.
Ready to apply?
If you've ever thought "I want to give back" or "I want to help our kids" — this is your chance. Apply online through our Career Portal:
https://career.childprotection.sa.gov.au/WCM/WebPage/JobDetail.aspx?jid=A5314E37-A5EF-4358-B1F3-8846CCFD4BD1
Applications are open all year round.
There's no deadline, so get in touch for a yarn then apply when you're ready.
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