Support Worker Children's Services

Aruma; Toowoomba Regional; On-site; AUD 30,000 - 47,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,900 plus $2

Meals and entertainment allowance

Flexible rostering across days and e/o

Ongoing training in trauma-informed/te

Scholarship opportunities

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Aruma is hiring a Support Worker in Toowoomba for a part-time, permanent role. You will help children and young people aged 5-18 who have experienced trauma, supporting education, life skills and daily routines in a safe, nurturing home environment.

We value empathy, patience and resilience. You will work with families and professionals to build trust and positive relationships, with career development opportunities within a compassionate, 24/7 residential care setting.

Qualifications

• A Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention (Residential Care) or equivalent is highly regarded.
• First Aid and CPR certification are preferred.
• NDIS Worker Screening Check may be required.

Responsibilities

• Build genuine, trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Support daily routines including education, appointments, recreation and life skills.
• Create safe, trauma-informed environments.
• Support young people to build confidence, independence and resilience.
• Advocate for rights, choices, goals and aspirations.
• Collaborate with families, schools and therapeutic professionals.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Communication

Teamwork

Resilience

Willingness to learn

Education

Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention (Residential Care) or equivalent

Job description

Permanent Part Time roles available.

Support Worker, Children's Services | Toowoomba

Change a Child's Story. Build a Career That Matters.

Purpose. Growth. Real Impact.

Years from now, a young person may not remember every worker they met, but they will remember the people who helped them feel safe, believed in them and stayed beside them through life's toughest moments.

Could that person be you?

At Aruma, you'll support children and young people aged 5-18 who have experienced trauma, loss and disruption. You'll help create the safety, trust and relationships that allow young people to grow, develop confidence and build brighter futures.

Some days you'll be kicking a footy, helping with homework, heading out into the community or celebrating a personal achievement. Other days you'll be supporting a young person through a difficult moment or helping them navigate a challenge they don't yet have the skills to manage on their own.

It's meaningful work. It can be challenging work. And it's work that truly matters.

While helping children grow, we'll help you grow too.

New Services. New Team. New Opportunities.

Whether you're an experienced Support Worker or looking to begin a career in Children's Services, this is an opportunity to join a team that invests in your development and helps you build a meaningful long-term career.

At Aruma, we don't see Support Workers as shift-fillers.

We see them as the people who create safety, build connection and help children experience positive relationships that can change the course of their lives.

What You'll Do

As a Support Worker, you'll help create a safe, nurturing and inclusive home where children and young people can feel valued, develop life skills and work towards their goals.

You Will

• Build genuine, trusting relationships with children and young people
• Support daily routines including education, appointments, recreation and life skills development
• Create safe, trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate environments
• Support young people to build confidence, independence and resilience
• Encourage participation in sport, music, art, culture, community activities and hobbies
• Help young people navigate challenges and celebrate achievements
• Advocate for their rights, choices, goals and aspirations
• Work collaboratively with families, schools, therapeutic professionals and your team
• Contribute to individualised support plans focused on growth and development

No two shifts are ever the same. That's part of what makes the role so rewarding.

More Than Residential Care

At Aruma, we believe behaviour is communication.

We don't simply ask "What is this behaviour?"

We ask "What might this young person be trying to tell us?"

Children and young people in out-of-home care may have experienced significant adversity. Through trauma-informed and therapeutic care, we help our teams understand the needs that sit behind behaviour and respond in ways that build safety, trust and connection.

You'll learn how to support young people through a therapeutic lens by recognising strengths, understanding developmental needs and creating opportunities for growth through everyday interactions.

A conversation.

A shared laugh.

A successful school day.

A breakthrough moment.

A first step towards independence.

The small moments often become the big moments.

The Reality of the Role

This work is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding.

Some young people may experience periods of emotional distress, dysregulation or heightened stress responses. Success in this role requires patience, resilience, emotional awareness and the ability to stay calm and supportive during challenging situations.

You won't be expected to do this alone.

You'll be supported by experienced leaders, ongoing training, therapeutic frameworks and a team that works together to help young people succeed.

Bring Your HEART to Work

At Aruma, we believe every child and young person deserves dignity, inclusion, choice and the opportunity to live the life they choose.

Our HEART Values Guide Everything We Do

• Human Rights Warriors - champion dignity, inclusion and equality
• Enjoy Life - create moments of joy, connection and possibility
• Awesome Participants - support young people to live the lives they choose
• Revolutionary Spirit - challenge the status quo and find better ways
• Terrific Teams - work alongside people who care as much as you do

Why People Stay at Aruma

Because they feel supported.

Because they keep learning.

Because they work alongside people who genuinely care.

Because they can see the difference they're making.

We know this work asks a lot of our teams, which is why we're committed to investing in your wellbeing, development and long-term success.

What's In It For You?

We want your first role with Aruma to be the beginning of a career, not simply your next job.

Many of our Service Leaders, House Leaders and operational leaders started their careers as Support Workers. We actively invest in developing internal talent through coaching, learning opportunities and leadership pathways.

Benefits

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 plus $2,650 meals and entertainment
• Emerging Leaders Programs designed to help you build leadership capability and confidence
• Genuine career pathways into House Leader, Service Leader, Service Management and broader organisational leadership roles
• Flexible rostering across days, evenings, weekends and sleepovers
• Ongoing training in trauma-informed practice, therapeutic care and leadership
• Scholarship Opportunities To Support Qualifications And Further Study
• Fitness Passport and wellbeing benefits
• Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
• Discounted health insurance
• BRAVE Awards recognising great work and positive impact

Start where you are. Build your skills. Discover what's possible.

Are You the Person We're Looking For?

You don't need to have all the answers.

You do need to care, be willing to learn and show up consistently for children and young people.

You’ll Be Someone Who Is

• Passionate about helping children and young people succeed
• Patient, empathetic and able to build trust
• Curious, reflective and open to learning
• Resilient, emotionally aware and able to remain calm under pressure
• A strong communicator and team player
• Committed to human rights, inclusion and choice
• Comfortable working in a 24/7 residential care environment

A Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention (Residential Care) or equivalent is highly regarded, including applicants currently working towards the qualification.

You’ll Also Need

• First Aid and CPR
• Working With Children Check
• NDIS Worker Screening Check
• Current driver's licence and insured vehicle

The Roster

This is a 24/7 service, so your roster may include:

• Day shifts
• Evening shifts
• Sleepovers
• Weekends
• Public holidays

Flexibility and consistency are essential in helping young people experience the stability and predictability they deserve.

Every Child Matters. Your Work Can Help Change a Life.

At Aruma, we're not simply filling vacancies.

We're building teams of skilled, compassionate people who believe every child deserves safety, belonging and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

If you're looking for meaningful work, a supportive team and a career with purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

Our Commitment

At Aruma, we’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are focused on creating an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Our Recruitment Approach

We review applications as they come in and move quickly to interview great candidates, so we encourage you to apply early. While we include an indicative closing date, roles may close sooner if we find the right person. Applications received later in the process may not progress. If you’re unsuccessful and would value feedback, please feel welcome to reach out to our Talent team.