Experienced Youth Worker

AACAFS; New South Wales; On-site; AUD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

AACAFS is seeking a Youth Worker to provide culturally responsive care to Aboriginal children in out-of-home care in New South Wales. You will support trauma-affected children, build cultural identity, and work within a dedicated team to promote safety and well-being.

The role requires resilience, flexibility with shifts (including weekends/overnights), and a commitment to trauma-informed practice and cultural safety. Training and professional development opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience with children with complex behaviours and trauma backgrounds.
• Ability to provide culturally safe support.
• Strong de-escalation and crisis management skills.
• Willingness to work weekends and overnights.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care, supervision, and emotional support to Aboriginal children in out-of-home care.
• Build trusting relationships while promoting resilience, self-worth, and cultural identity.
• Effectively manage complex and challenging behaviours using trauma-informed and culturally appropriate approaches.
• Implement individual care plans focused on safety, wellbeing, and development.
• Support young people in engaging with their cultural heritage, Elders, and community.
• Assist with school attendance, life skills, and recreational activities.
• Work collaboratively with families, caseworkers, and other professionals.
• Respond to crisis with a calm, proactive approach and maintain a safe environment.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Cultural safety

Crisis management

De-escalation

Team collaboration

Flexibility

Education

Diploma in Community Services or Youth Work

Job description

Are you a experienced, compassionate, and resilient Youth Worker with experience managing complex behaviours? We are seeking dedicated staff to provide culturally responsive care and support to Aboriginal children in out of home care.

About the Role:

As a Youth Worker, you will play a vital role in providingstability, guidance, and support to Aboriginal children and young people who have experienced trauma. This role requires patience, strength, and the ability to manage challenging behaviours while fostering a sense of belonging, healing, and cultural connection.

About AACAFS

AACAFS is an Aboriginal-led, managed, self-determining for-purpose organisation. Established in 2021, AACAFS purpose is to support, care for and protect vulnerable and at-risk Aboriginal children and families. Our focus is improving the welfare and well-being of Aboriginal children, young people and families through the empowerment that comes from self-determination and culturally responsible support.

AACAFS is a child-safe organisation and commits to respecting children and young people, listening to their views and taking action to keep them safe at all times.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real impact in the lives of Aboriginal children.


• Work in a supportive team that values cultural knowledge and connection.


• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.


• Competitive salary and shift allowances.


• Potential to work a range of shifts, including 48 hour shifts with paid travel and great work life balance.

If you have the experience, resilience, and commitment to supporting Aboriginal children and young people, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day care, supervision, and emotional support to Aboriginal children in out-of-home care.


• Build trusting relationships while promoting resilience, self-worth, and cultural identity.


• Effectively manage complex and challenging behaviours using trauma-informed and culturally appropriate approaches.


• Implement individual care plans focused on safety, wellbeing, and development.


• Support young people in engaging with their cultural heritage, Elders, and community.


• Assist with school attendance, life skills, and recreational activities.


• Work collaboratively with families, caseworkers, and other professionals.


• Respond to crisis with a calm, proactive approach and maintain a safe environment.

What We're Looking For:

• Demonstrated experience working with children with complex behaviours, trauma backgrounds, and high needs.


• Resilience, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.


• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and child protection principles.


• Ability to provide culturally safe and respectful support.


• Excellent de-escalation, crisis management, and conflict resolution skills.


• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and overnights.

Desired Skills and Experience

We are looking for people who have:

• The right to work in Australia.


• CurrentNSW driver's license and Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance


• Current NSW Working with Children Check.


• Current First Aid Certificate.


• Previous experience working in Youth Work or the Community Services Sector.


• As a minimum a Diploma (or working towards) in Community Services or Youth Work.


• Ability to live by our values (which you can find on our website here )