Residential Care Team Leader

Kanda; Ipswich City; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Scholarship program

Sanctuary Model training

Healthcare partnerships

Employee recognition awards

Job summary

Kanda is seeking a Team Leader to guide a CYF team in Ipswich, delivering hands-on support with leadership and mentoring. You will promote a positive culture of care, oversee shift coverage, and support ongoing professional development.

This role emphasizes trauma‑informed practices and strong team collaboration. Responsibilities include leadership, documentation, client engagement, and life-skills coaching to empower young people.

Qualifications

• 7-day roster flexibility and willingness to work weekends/public holidays
• Strong emotional self-regulation and ability to set calm, consistent boundaries
• Excellent written and verbal communication; attention to documentation

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the team to maintain a positive, trauma-informed culture
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation, case notes, and incident reports
• Provide compassionate, person-centred support to promote wellbeing and development
• Empower young people with life skills and independence through structured routines

Skills

Team leadership

Trauma-informed care

Communication

Time management

Education

Certificate IV in CYF or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Web-based tools

Job description

Make a Real Difference in a Young Person's Life - Join Kanda's CYF Team

As a Team Leaderwith Kanda, you’ll combine hands‑on support work with leadership and mentoring responsibilities. You’ll lead a dedicated team, promote a positive culture of care, and receive ongoing professional development and mentoring to support your own career journey.

Key responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Culture: Lead and motivate the team to uphold a positive, trauma‑informed culture focused on quality care and positive outcomes for young people. Organise and lead team meetings, facilitate communication, and coordinate shift coverage.
• Documentation & Compliance: Ensure all team documentation, case notes, and incident reports are completed accurately and on time, in line with organisational policies, child safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Support & Engagement: Provide compassionate, person‑centred support that promotes emotional wellbeing, safety, and development. Model positive behaviour and proactive engagement with young people.
• Life Skills & Independence: Empower young people to build essential life skills and independence through structured routines and practical learning, including cooking, personal care, budgeting, and daily living tasks.

What you'll bring:

• Flexibility to work across a 7-day/night roster, including some weekends, public holidays, night shifts and overnight sleepovers
• Experience in a similar senior role is a bonus, but not essential - we value the right attitude just as much
• A Certificate IV (completed or currently studying) in Child, Youth & Family Intervention, Disability, Mental Health, or Community Services
• Strong emotional self‑regulation and the ability to set calm, consistent boundaries
• Great attention to detail and time management when it comes to documentation and shift reports
• Confident written and verbal communication skills, along with comfort using Microsoft Office and web‑based tools
• A current Blue Card and NDIS Worker Screening (or Yellow Card)
• A clear Child Safety and Criminal History Screening (LCS2)
• A valid driver's licence

What we offer you:

• Ongoing learning and development, including TCI training and The Sanctuary Model.
• Strong local leadership & On-Call - real people, ready to support you when you need it.
• Access to our CEO Scholarship Program
• 24/7 support through the Sonder complete care platform
• Corporate healthcare partnerships
• Training in the Sanctuary Model of Care Framework
• Recognition programs, including Employee of the Month and 5 & 10-year Service Awards

Kandais committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We’re dedicated to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and comfortable to be themselves. At Kanda, every voice matters, every culture is valued, and we believe that diverse perspectives aren’t just welcome — they’re essential to who we are and what we do.