Expression of Interest - Therapeutic Child & Youth Worker On-Site

Junction Australia; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous salary sacrifice benefits

Professional development opportunities

Extra paid leave for celebrations

Job summary

Junction Australia is seeking Therapeutic Child & Youth Workers to provide supportive, trauma-informed care to young people in residential settings. You will contribute to their wellbeing and growth through relationship building and a structured approach to care.

The successful candidates will have a Certificate IV in Youth Work or related fields, strong communication skills, and a commitment to working collaboratively in high-pressure environments. You will play a crucial role in fostering a nurturing environment for children and young people.

Qualifications

• Sound communication and interpersonal skills for effectively engaging clients.
• Understanding of trauma-related behaviours with high and complex needs.
• Ability to work across a 24/7 roster and manage sleepover/active night shifts.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, therapeutic relationships with young people.
• Support children with daily routines, personal care, and community activities.
• Maintain a safe and nurturing environment, collaborating with team members.

Skills

Trauma-Informed Care

Relationship Building

Emotional Resilience

Effective Communication

Education

Certificate IV in Youth Work, Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Community Services or equivalent

Job description

Therapeutic Child & Youth Workers

The Opportunity:

The Therapeutic Child and Youth Worker, centers around building strong, trusting relationships and delivering structured, responsive support tailored to each individual's developmental, emotional, and cultural needs. You will play a vital role in providing consistent, trauma-informed care to children and young people living in residential care.

While working as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensuring stability, wellbeing, and positive life outcomes for the children and young people; you will make a meaningful impact through the creation of safe and nurturing home environments where young people feel valued, supported, and empowered to heal and grow.

Key Aspects of the Role:

• Trauma-Informed Care & Relationship Building
• Build strong, therapeutic relationships and support young people with complex behaviours using trauma-responsive strategies.
• Emotional Resilience & Self-Awareness
• Maintain emotional regulation and consistency in high-pressure situations, providing calm and reliable support.
• Practical Support & Daily Living Skills
• Assist with routines, personal care, and household tasks, while fostering independence and life skills.
• Cultural Safety & Child-Centered Practice
• Uphold children’s rights and support their identity, voice, and cultural connections—particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

A typical day may include:

• Supporting daily routines including meals, school transports, appointments, and bedtime to provide stability and structure.
• Building trusting relationships and offering emotional support using trauma-informed approaches.
• Promoting life skills and independence through everyday activities such as cooking, personal care, and community outings.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing home environment while completing documentation and collaborating with your team.

What We Offer:

• Values-driven culture
• Generous salary sacrifice benefits
• Great professional development opportunities
• A You are Amazing Day – an extra day of paid leave to spend however you want
• A NAIDOC Day - an extra day of paid leave to attend NAIDOC celebrations
• A supportive, flexible work environment with paid parental leave and a strong focus on staff wellbeing
• Access to wholesale prices on selected products at Harvey Norman
• Access To Corporate Health Insurance and Annual Flu Vaccinations

About You:

We are seeking a highly passionate professional who:

• Holds a certificate IV in Youth Work, Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Community Services or equivalent (or working towards)
• Has sound communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage and establish rapport with clients, staff and external agencies
• Has demonstrated understanding of appropriate responses to clients with trauma related behaviours that demonstrate high and complex needs
• Is team oriented, collaborative with internal and external stakeholders
• Is able to work across a 24/7 roster and undertake passive (sleepover) and active night shifts
• Is willing to work across different locations (houses)

You Will Need To:

• Complete our online application process
• Undergo pre-employment testing as part of the recruitment process which will include psychological assessments
• Holda currentWorking with Children Check (WWCC)
• Holda current Senior First Aid Certificate
• Holda current Safe Environments Certificate (RHAN certification is not accepted)
• Hold acurrent unencumbered Australian driver’s licence and be willing to drive
• Be prepared to undertake Junction's onboarding and induction process which would be a blend of classroom and on-site learning.

Junction is an equal opportunity employer that embraces a culture of diversity. We encourage applications from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with disability, and people from every culture, gender and sexuality identity, age and ethnic background. Junction is committed to being a Child Safe organisation and has zero tolerance for child and family abuse.