OPS3 ABORIGINAL CHILD AND YOUTH WORKER - RESIDENTIAL CARE - POOL
Reference 9J699F7B
Open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent only
Division: Department for Child Protection
Location: Adelaide Metro, Whyalla, Limestone Coast, Port Augusta, Port Pirie
Salary Range: $67,589-$72,033
Classification: OPS3
Engagement Type: Term
Closing Date: 30 Jun 2026 11:00 PM
Role Highlights
OPS3 ($67,589 - $72,033 per annum + 12% Super (Shift penalties will apply which can increase your salary by up to $15,000 per annum)
Multiple Positions Available (Pool Vacancy).
Salary packaging + EAP support for you and your family + relevant leave loading
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants strongly encouraged to apply
Pay: $67,589 – $72,033 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
* Wellbeing benefits: Access to over 1,700 gyms and pools through Fitness Passport (family included)
This role could suit 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
* Education support
* Disability or aged care
* Cultural or community leadership roles
Your life experience matters most.
How the process works
We keep the process clear and supportive:
* Online application
* Medical and psychological checks (paid by employer)
* Reference checks
* Assessment centre
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.
They 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.
Click Apply and take the first step.
Special Conditions
To find out more about this role, including the key selection criteria/desired capabilities and special conditions, please click on the attached role description.
PLEASE NOTE: As the system times out after 20 minutes of inactivity, it is recommended that you click 'SAVE AND NEXT' to ensure that your application is retained. This ensures that you will be able to resume your application by clicking 'CONTINUE'.
For the purpose of this advertisement and links provided, the term Aboriginal is used to refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within South Australia. This is not intended to exclude Torres Strait Islander people, or people that identify as being of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.
The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in the protection of children, young people and their families within South Australia. The department provides support to vulnerable children and young people to be safe, strong and connected.
Contact Us
Enquiries to DCP Recruitment Team Email communication preferred
Our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ communities, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where everyone feels supported.
Application Instructions
You will be required to submit a 2 page cover letter addressing the key selection criteria of the role, a current resume/curriculum vitae and responses to the questions contained within the application For assistance with any technical issues please contact the help desk on .
The South Australian public sector Promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part‐time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
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
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