Child & Youth Worker - Residential Care

About the role

ac.care is seeking Child and Youth Workers to work in a team providing round-the-clock care and supporting the development and community reintegration of children and young people under the guardianship of the Department for Child Protection. These children cannot be placed in foster care because of complex trauma-related behaviours or a lack of available foster care placements. The role protects their care, rights and safety while longer-term care arrangements are developed, within a therapeutic crisis intervention and trauma-informed model.

Key responsibilities

• Provide care, guidance, support and supervision of children and young people in a developmentally appropriate way, protecting them from harm and exploitation
• Manage risk and report incidents, hazards and injuries in line with policy, procedures and legislative requirements
• Work with managers and colleagues as part of one team
• Provide opportunities for success and promote positive relationships with peers, carers, parents, family and the community
• Contribute to Home Based Care programs and keep written and digital records of daily observations and individual needs
• Prepare and cook a balanced, age-appropriate diet and perform household duties such as laundry, cleaning and dishwashing

Required profile

• Current SA driver's licence (P2 provisional or full Class C, or interstate equivalent)
• Satisfactory Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one
• Current National Police Check or willingness to obtain one
• Child Safe Environment Certificate or willingness to obtain one
• Satisfactory completion of the statutory psychological suitability assessment
• Trauma Responsive Practice in Education online training completed
• Current Provide First Aid certificate or willingness to obtain one
• Meets Department of Child Protection qualification requirements, or completes the Certificate IV in Child, Youth & Family Intervention within 12 months

Required skills

• Ability to work within a trauma-informed, intentional practice model
• Knowledge of trauma, abuse and attachment issues, and ability to provide individualised trauma-responsive care
• Strong negotiation, mediation and advocacy skills
• Self-reflection on own emotional responses to clients and families
• Excellent verbal and written communication and rapport building

What we offer

• Pay of $40.49 (minimum) plus casual and shift loadings under the Level 3 Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award, with potential earnings over $100,000 per year full time
• 6 weeks annual leave and ongoing employment
• Salary packaging benefits, comprehensive training and development, and an employee assistance program

Multiple full-time, part-time and casual positions are available. Applications close when positions are filled.