Therapeutic Youth Worker

• Join an established close-knit team!
• Help support a Young Person with complex needs!
• 70.5 Hour per fortnight roster!

Make a Difference Every Day

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a genuine difference in the life of a young person?

We are seeking a passionate, caring and committed Therapeutic Youth Worker to join our team supporting a vibrant and engaging young person living in one of our specialist residential care homes.

This role offers a unique opportunity to build a meaningful therapeutic relationship with a young person who thrives on connection, fun and consistent support. While the Young Person has complex medical and disability support needs, she is first and foremost a young person who enjoys spending time with people who genuinely engage with them, make them laugh, and celebrate their individuality.

About The Young Person

The Young Person is a remarkable young person with a big personality and a love for connecting with others. They are known for being:

• Personable
• Determined
• Sparkly
• Funny
• Affectionate
• Resilient

They enjoy spending quality time with the people around them and loves:

• Dancing and singing
• Playing hide and seek
• Role play and imaginative games
• Reading books
• Completing puzzles
• The Wiggles
• Frozen

Most of all, they enjoy spending time with people who are willing to engage, connect and have fun alongside them.

They require consistent support from caring and attentive staff who can respond effectively to their medical needs while helping them experience joy, connection, and participation in everyday life.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a Therapeutic Youth Worker who can provide nurturing, high-quality care and support while helping the Young Person experience joy, connection, and participation in everyday life.

The ideal applicant will be:

• A therapeutic parent figure
• Playful and engaging
• Patient and calm
• Proactive and observant
• Creative and flexible
• Highly attentive to medical needs and safety
• Comfortable providing personal care, including showering and toileting support
• Committed to maintaining high standards of care and therapeutic practice

This is a Part Time opportunity based on South Side, ACT within our ACT Out of Home Care program. This role reports to the Residential House Supervisor.

About the Team

You will be joining a warm, passionate, and highly committed team of people who genuinely love what they do and are dedicated to creating the best possible outcomes for the young people they support.

This is a team that values connection, laughter and supporting one another through both the rewarding and challenging moments that come with therapeutic care. They bring compassion, professionalism, and a strong commitment to learning, working together to ensure the Young Person receives the highest quality care and support.

The team takes pride in building meaningful relationships, celebrating small wins, and creating a home environment where young people feel safe, valued, and able to thrive. They are welcoming, supportive, and eager to help a new team member develop their skills and confidence in the role.

What the Team Values

• Building strong therapeutic relationships
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Compassionate, person-centred care
• Continuous learning and professional growth
• Supporting one another's wellbeing
• Creating fun, engaging, and meaningful experiences for young people

This is an opportunity to become part of a team that not only makes a genuine difference in a young person's life every day, but also enjoys having fun, celebrating success, and supporting one another along the way.

Roster

Week 1

• Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Friday: 11:30pm – 8:30am

Week 2

• Monday: 4:30pm – 12:00am
• Tuesday: 4:30pm – 12:00am
• Wednesday: 4:30pm – 12:00am
• Thursday: 10:00am – 1:00pm (Team Meeting)
• Thursday: 11:30pm – 8:30am
• Saturday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Key Selection Criteria:

• A knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values and an awareness of the current issues faced by Aboriginal children, young people and their families;
• A qualification in Disability, Community Service, Youth Work or similar;
• Demonstrated ability to implement case plans, behaviour support plan and safety plans for Young People with complex needs including challenging behaviour;
• Demonstrated experience working within a team;
• Current First Aid certificate.

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

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

What We Offer

• SCHADS Level 3 hourly rate: $40.49 – $43.42, based on qualifications and experience
• Salary packaging options to increase take-home pay by up to $18,550 annually
• Access to industry-specific training, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Sanctuary, and Cultural Awareness    
• Free counselling, coaching, and wellbeing support through the Employee Assistance Program
• Regular supervision and guidance from experienced leaders
• 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.   

For more information, please contact: Claire Michael Claire.Michael@mackillop.org.au

You must have a:

• 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).

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 MacKillop Family Services continues to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

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. 

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

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