Residential Care Worker

Kanda; Atherton; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kanda is seeking compassionate staff for a residential care setting in Queensland. You will support young people by providing a consistent, safe environment, building trust while maintaining professional boundaries, and following individualized support plans.

Expect shifts across a 7-day roster, including potential sleepovers. You will use trauma-informed, person-centred approaches to support behaviours and promote wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work with children and young people in supportive residential settings.
• Willingness to obtain Working with Children Blue Card and NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Responsibilities

• Support young people with daily routines and activities in a consistent, safe environment.
• Contribute to individual support plans and follow documented strategies.
• Remain calm and professional during challenging situations and when boundaries are needed.
• Work as part of a team to ensure a stable and supportive home setting.

Skills

Patience

Communication

Teamwork

Boundary setting

Listen without judgement

De-escalation

Curiosity

Reflective practice

Warmth & positivity

Education

Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services/Youth Work/Social Work

Tools

First Aid & CPR

Job description

This isn’t about being a perfect role model.
It’s about being a consistent one.
Young people in Residential Care don’t need someone who has all the answers.
They need adults who show up.
Adults who follow through.
Adults who set boundaries and keep them.
Adults who can have a laugh.
Adults who listen.
Adults who don’t give up when things get difficult.
Adults who can recognise that behaviour is communication — and take the time to understand what might be underneath it.
Most importantly, they need people who can help them experience what a safe, predictable and supportive environment feels like.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can give a young person is consistency.

You don’t need to have all the answers.

You do need to be willing to learn, stay curious and keep showing up.

What we’re really looking for

You might be a great fit if you:

• genuinely enjoy working with children and young people
• can build trust while maintaining professional boundaries
• are patient, calm and emotionally steady
• communicate clearly and listen without judgement
• can manage challenging situations without escalating them
• are confident setting appropriate boundaries
• can work as part of a team and follow individual support plans
• are willing to learn and reflect on your practice
• can bring warmth, humour and positivity to the home
• understand that small moments can have a big impact
• want to do work that genuinely matters

You’ll Bring

• A current Australian driver's licence (minimum P2).
• A Working with Children Blue Card and NDIS Worker Screening Check, or willingness to obtain them.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain.
• A completed or currently enrolled Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services, Youth Work, Social Work or a related qualification.
• Experience supporting people with complex behaviours, including using trauma-informed, person-centred approaches and maintaining safety during escalated situations.
• Availability and flexibility to work a variety of shifts across a 7-day roster, including the ability to complete a minimum of two sleepover shifts per fortnight.

Kanda is committed to creating and maintaining a child-safe organisation.

We’rededicated 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’tjust welcomethey’reessential to who we are and what we do.