Residential Youth Worker

Wellways Australia Limited; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Superannuation

Salary packaging

Leave loading

Meal/Entertainment allowance

Paid parental leave

Cultural leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Wellways Australia Limited is seeking Residential Youth Workers to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe care for young people in out-of-home care. You will support life skills, routines and healing pathways while working with families, communities and external partners.

Applicants should have a relevant qualification (or be pursuing one), be able to sleep over and work shifts, hold a valid First Aid and Driver's Licence, and obtain Blue Card and NDIS Worker Screening.

Qualifications

• A relevant qualification (or currently working towards one)
• Ability to build trust and positive relationships with young people
• First Aid and Drivers Licence
• Sleepovers and shift work are required
• Police clearance not less than 12 months old
• Blue Card and NDIS Worker Screening Check
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate Completed
• Hope and Healing Framework Foundation Training provided if needed

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally safe care reflecting our Child Safety Practice Principles
• Support young people in developing life skills, routines and pathways for healing
• Work collaboratively with families, communities and external stakeholders
• Maintain clear documentation and uphold Wellways’ high standards of care
• Engage in reflective practice and professional development

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Cultural safety

Relationship building

Documentation

Education

Relevant qualification in youth work or related field

Job description

Residential Youth Workers Wanted! Join Wellways in creating brighter futures for young people SCHADS 2B $46.70 - $50.61p/h + Super + Salary packaging benefits + leave loading

At Wellways, we believe every young person deserves safety, stability and a chance to thrive. Our Youth Workers play a vital role in delivering high-quality, trauma-informed care for young people in out of home care, aligned with the Queensland Department of Child Safety standards.

We’re looking for passionate, resilient and values-driven individuals to join our Youth Care Program, supporting young people with high and complex needs in a safe, nurturing environment.

In this role, you will:

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally safe care that reflects our Child Safety Practice Principles
• Support young people in developing life skills, routines and pathways for healing
• Work collaboratively with families, communities and external stakeholders
• Maintain clear documentation and uphold Wellways’ high standards of care
• Engage in reflective practice and professional development

What you’ll bring:

• A relevant qualification (or currently working towards one)
• Ability to build trust and positive relationships with young people
• First Aid and Drivers Licence
• Ability to do sleepovers and shift work - this is an essential requirement.
• Police clearance - not less than 12 months old
• Blue Card and NDIS Workers Screening Check
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate Completed
• Hope and Healing Framework Foundation Training - this will be supplied by Wellways if needed.

Your support can shape a young person’s future. Join the Wellways team and make a meaningful impact today.

What we will offer you…

• A purpose driven culture where people can thrive, everyone is respected, and differences are valued
• An equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment
• Salary packaging up to $15,899 enables you to spend a portion of your salary before it is taxed to pay for things like rent, mortgage repayments, car leasing
• Meal and Entertainment allowance via salary packaging up to $2,650 per annum
• Receive 17.5% leave loading every time you take annual leave
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Paid Cultural Leave where applicable
• Access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program

Wellways Australia Limited is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. All applicants applying for roles within Wellways must undergo a screening process prior to their successful appointment.

Wellways is committed to reconciliation, lived experience and inclusivity.

We strongly encourage and warmly welcome people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with a lived experience of mental health and disability and people who identify as LGBTIQA+ to apply. Even if you only meet some of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Description Summary

Join Wellways and be the steady support young people need by delivering meaningful, trauma-informed care in a team that values you.

Culture

We’re passionate about our work, which is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. All of our teams work to ensure everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential. We know that people are unique and the experts on their life and are not defined by impairments, diagnosis or labels. We aim to specifically promote safety and inclusivity for LGBTIQ+ and First Nations communities.

Applications Close 18/10/2026

Wellways is a leading not-for-profit mental health and disability support organisation operating in Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania. Our services span mental health, disability and community care and reach more than 7000 people each year. Our 2000 staff work to create an inclusive community where everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential. We connect people, strengthen families and transform communities for individuals of all ages experiencing disabilities or challenges to their social and emotional wellbeing. Our Practice Principles guide how we work and interact with participants and partners, with our colleagues and within our communities. To see our Practice Principles poster visit https://media.wellways.org/inline-files/ww383_Practice_Principles.pdf Wellways Australia Limited is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. All applicants applying for roles within wellways must undergo a screening process prior to their successful appointment.