Job Description

Do you believe that one consistent, caring adult can change the direction of a young person’s life? Are you driven by empathy, resilience, and a genuine desire to walk beside children during some of their most challenging moments?

We’re seeking a passionate and experienced Residential Care Worker to join our dedicated OOHC team. Our team doesn’t just work with young people – we walk alongside them, offering guidance, stability, and belief when they need it most.

At MacKillop Family Services, we don’t just provide accommodation - we create homes. Homes where children feel safe, valued, and supported to heal, grow, and imagine a brighter future. Each young person in our care has entered through the Child Protection system, and every one of them deserves unwavering compassion, respect, and belief in their potential.

You’ll be part of a strong, purpose driven team that shows up wholeheartedly - offering calm guidance in tough moments, celebrating progress (big and small), and being a reliable presence when it matters most.

If you’re ready to invest your heart, strength, and skill into work that truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

THE ROLE:

In this role, you’ll:

• Support young people in their daily lives, helping them build practical and emotional skills
• Respond to trauma-related behaviours with care, patience, and professional insight
• Contribute to the smooth running of the home, including household tasks and admin
• Work as part of a strong, values-driven team that shows up for each other – and for the young people – every single day

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Significant experience in residential care or youth support
• A calm, confident approach to managing challenging behaviours
• A deep understanding of trauma-informed care
• Unshakeable resilience and a belief that every young person deserves a fresh start

We are recruiting for 2x ongoing full-time positions & multiple casual vacancies suitable for experienced Residential Care Workers based in Bendigo & surrounds. The position reports to the Residential House Supervisor.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention or other similar or relevant tertiary qualifications.
• A genuine interest in young people and their wellbeing.
• Demonstrate empathy for young people in our care in an open minded and nonjudgmental manner.
• Highly developed capacity for emotional self-regulation including the capacity to set and maintain consistent boundaries to provide safety, stability and consistency.

You must have a:

• Valid and current Driver’s Licence;
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop);
• Valid Employee Working with Children Check;
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles). MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application.

We value the unique knowledge, perspectives, and cultural contributions of First Nations peoples. Your experience and insights are important to us, and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

Please address the full Key Selection Criteria outlined in the PD as part of your application.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• More money in your pocket – up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.
• Wellbeing that matters - Free, confidential support for mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.
• Sanctuary Organisation - MacKillop’s work is underpinned by the Sanctuary Model, an evidence supported, whole of organisation framework that brings our values to life. The model reinforces our ability to create a safe environment that teaches people to cope effectively with stress and trauma, and to heal.
• First Nations career pathways – Warrungarli Strategy supporting recruitment, retention and professional development
• Community & connection – Opportunity to join Ngindaay Guumaldanha, our Aboriginal Staff Network

Our Commitment:

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person at MacKillop has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person’s ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age.

It is our goal that we continue to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Shortlisting for this position may commence immediately so please submit your application as soon as possible.