Residential Care 2IC - Northern Region

The Opportunity

Residential Care & Therapeutic Residential Care (TRC) is intensive and time-limited care for a child or young person in statutory care that responds to the complex impacts of abuse, neglect and separation from family. This is achieved through the creation of positive, safe, healing relationships and experiences informed by a sound understanding of trauma, damaged attachment and development needs. 

• Northern location, Wurundjeri Country
• Full time, Perm role - see Roster below
• Salary Base $86,904.48 pa (pro rata) + salary packaging + super + penalty rates
• 2 day face-to-face Orientation Training is mandatory for the successful candidate: Wednesday 1st April and Thursday 2nd April 2026

While the role is deeply rewarding, it also presents its own set of challenges. Working with children and young people who have endured trauma, neglect, and abuse requires resilience, compassion, and a commitment to their growth and well-being. Our roster operates 24/7, offering a variety of day shifts (7am to 11pm) and overnight shifts (11pm to 7am). 

Roster: 76 hours a fortnight

 Week 1

Monday: 7am to 4pm

Tuesday: OFF

Wednesday: 3pm to 11pm

Thursday: 3pm to 11pm

Friday: 3pm to 11am

Saturday: OFF

Sunday: OFF

Week 2

Monday: 8am to 4pm

Tuesday: 1pm to 11pm

Wednesday: 2pm to 11pm

Thursday: OFF

Friday: 7:30am to 3:30pm

Saturday: 7:30am to 3:30pm

Sunday: OFF

About You

The Residential Unit 2IC will attend to and respond to queries, incidents and concerns from staff in a prompt manner. This role plays a vital part in ensuring overnight safety plans for young people in out of home care are met and will be based on-site from the house.

We are seeking someone who has the ability to identify opportunities for improved practice and can meet the flexible demands of the role. Previous experience leading a team would be advantageous but not vital.

The successful candidate must hold a recognised and relevant qualification in residential care (Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention), social work, youth work, alcohol/other drugs (or other relevant qualification) and/or substantial experience in working with children and young people. - Please see below link for more information:

https://fac.dffh.vic.gov.au/news/reminder-funded-organisations-residential-care-staff-qualifications-certificate-iv-child-youth

Applicants must complete the mandatory upskilling units as required by Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Continuing employment is dependent on satisfactory evidence provided within 6 months of being engaged in the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide vital support and assistance to the Unit Supervisor.
• Taking care of a team of Residential Care workers working in a house to ensure a high quality of guidance and care to all staff and residents.
• Working closely with Children and Young People who may display complex issues, possible trauma affectation and disabilities.
• Supporting Children and Young People with major behaviours of concern within a positive and therapeutic framework.
• Assistance with activities of daily living, this includes spending quality time in the home, cooking meals, undertaking household duties and participating in their daily activities as required.
• Documentation and progress note keeping as required.

Additionally, you will have: 

• Relevant experience and advanced competence working with Children and Young People in relation to residential care.
• a genuine enjoyment in engaging with young people.
• flexibility in your approach to work and hours.
• Great communication skills, with the ability to engage well with young people and work well with other staff.
• Ability to undertake staff supervision. 
• Professionalism; the role will require you to work collaboratively with many external services that support the children/young people.
• Must hold a driver’s licence (minimum green P’s) as the role will transport young people from time to time.

The Benefits

• Salary Packaging (up to $15,900 per annum, plus additional packaging available for meals/accommodation).
• Flexible work arrangements and generous leave conditions.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including access for staff members’ immediate family. 

How to Apply

Please submit your updated resume and cover letter by 11PM Tuesday 10th March 2026

Any questions please reach out to Gabrielle Thomson - Program Manager Residential Care gthompson@berrystreet.org.au or Sashi Dharann - Senior Manager Residential Care sdharann@berrystreet.org.au 9450 4700

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National and International Police check (if required) and Worker Care Exclusion Scheme.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.