Job Description

Lighthouse Child and Family Services - Where everyday makes a difference

Lighthouse Child and Family Services is dedicated to delivering programs and services that empower vulnerable children and families to heal, thrive, and live fulfilling lives. We are currently seeking Youth Workers to join our residential care teams, providing high-quality, trauma-informed support to young people.

• Are you energetic, fun, and playful?
• Are you accepting, curious, and empathetic?
• Are you passionate about transforming a young person’s life?
• Are you ready to embrace reflection and develop strong practice habits?
• Are you looking for genuine career progression opportunities?

If you answered yes to any of these, we want to hear from you!

About Us

We create trauma-informed, therapeutic home environments for young people who have experienced complex trauma, including abuse or neglect. Our commitment is to ensure these individuals feel safe and find opportunities for healing, growth, and meaningful connections with their families and communities.

Our vision and mission are clear: To bring light where there is darkness and change lives for the better. Our values—Liberty, Innovation, Gratitude, Humility, and Trust—guide us every step of the way. We employ the FOSTER practice framework to support best practices, and our CULTURAL framework empowers First Nations young people to reconnect with family, country, culture, spirit, lore, and history so they can reclaim their identity.

Why Join Us

• Make a Real Difference: Your role has a direct impact on the lives of children and young people, helping them reach their fullest potential.
• Career Development: We offer ongoing training, mentoring, and opportunities to advance within the organisation.
• Supportive Team Environment: Work with a dedicated, multidisciplinary care team that values collaboration, open communication, and continuous learning.
• Values-Driven Workplace: Our core values of Liberty, Innovation, Gratitude, Humility, and Trust guide our culture and inspire us to do our best.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: A range of shifts and support hours to fit your lifestyle and the needs of our young people.

About the Role

As a Residential Youth Worker, you will:

• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary care team, supported by a Care Coordinator, to provide safety, stability, consistency, security, and encouragement for children and young people.
• Contribute to a caring, therapeutic environment where trauma-informed care is at the heart of everything we do.
• Be available for a variety of shifts (including weekends and public holidays) that may include:
• AM 06:00 – 14:15 or 07:00 – 15:15
• PM 15:00 – 23:00 + Sleepover until 07:00
• Support Shifts Typically between 06:00 and 23:00, based on program needs

About You

Our ideal candidate will:

• Be non-judgmental, kind, caring, nurturing, and full of positive energy
• Demonstrate resilience, patience, and unconditional positive regard—even in challenging situations
• Maintain a safe and supportive setting, particularly when young people display difficult behaviors
• Model pro-social behavior and engage children and young people in meaningful activities that foster life skills, self-esteem, and self-efficacy
• Integrate our practice frameworks into daily routines through reflective practice
• Be self-aware, emotionally regulated, and sensitive to the emotions of others
• Accurately document observations and interactions in our client management system
• Adhere to policy, legislation, and confidentiality requirements
• Actively involve family and significant others to promote positive relationships

Essential Criteria

• Currently hold or be working towards a Certificate IV (or higher) in Youth or Human Services related field
• Current Blue Card (or willingness to obtain)
• Current First Aid and CPR certificate (or willingness to obtain)
• Open driver’s license
• National Police Check within the previous 2 years (or willingness to obtain)

Ready to Join Us?

Apply now with your resume and cover letter, and answer a few short screening questions. For more information, please contact our recruitment team at 0415 521 068 or recruitment@lcafs.com.au.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people of Australia and their cultural and spiritual connection to the land.

Lighthouse CFS respectfully acknowledges the First Nations people of Australia and the custodians of the land on which we operate. We recognize the cultural and spiritual connections that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the land and sea. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, as well as emerging leaders who stand with us on our path to reconciliation.