Job Description

• Support young people with complex trauma using a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach
• Work alongside a passionate team to deliver consistent, healing-focused care
• Grow your skills and impact in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment

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.

What we offer at MacKillop:

• SCHADS Level 3 – Dependent on qualifications & experience
• More money in your pocket – salary sacrifice 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

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.

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.

For a full position listing, please click APPLY. The Position Description is available for review at the bottom of the page.

Our offer

• Hourly Rate of $40.49 to $43.42 as outlined in the SCHADS Award Level 3, dependent on qualification and experience.
• Salary packaging – we can help you to maximize 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 - which is a discounted workplace health and fitness program available to you and your family. For a fraction of the price of a regular gym membership.
• Employee Assistance Program- Free access to a wide range of options with all aspects of life such as social, financial, physical, mental health by providing counselling and coaching supporting relating both to your circumstance, even including 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. The model reinforces our ability to create a safe environment that teaches people to cope effectively with stress and trauma, and to heal.

Benefits and Support:

At MacKillop Family Services, we value our employees' well-being and professional growth. Joining our team comes with the following benefits:

• Generous Salary Packaging: Increase your take-home pay with salary packaging of up to $18,500.
• Ongoing Career Development: We provide opportunities for education, training, and professional growth.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access free and confidential counselling, coaching, and emotional support for work and personal challenges.

Requirements:

To be eligible for this role, you must possess:

• 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

How to Apply:

To apply for this exciting opportunity, click 'Apply' and follow the prompts to submit your application via the Seek website.

Our Commitment:

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person 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.

For more information, please contact:

Claire Michael on Claire.Michael@mackillop.org.au

Shortlisting for this role will immediately

Curious about the MacKillop vibe? Jump onto Instagram and follow @mackillopcareers for a fun, inside look at our team culture.