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
* First Aid Certificate with 6 months validity
Benefits
* Hourly Rate of $38.65 to $41.45 as outlined in the SCHADS Award Level 3, dependent on qualification and experience.
* Salary packaging – we can help you to 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 a wide range of options covering all aspects of life such as social, financial, physical, and mental health, with counselling and coaching support, and even health advice from qualified nutritionists.
* 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 brings our values to life and reinforces our ability to create a safe environment that teaches people to cope effectively with stress and trauma, and to heal.
Requirements
* Have a 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 their application)
* A first aid certificate with at least 6‐months validity
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
#J-18808-Ljbffr