Youth Disability Support Team Leader

A Good Start to Life; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 62,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay rate starting at AU$40.49/hr plus

Induction and shadow shifts

24/7 on-call support

Specialised training (TCI and The Sanр

Job summary

GSL is seeking a Team Leader to guide a team supporting children and young people aged 0–18 with complex disabilities. You will lead shifts, ensure safe care plans are followed, and promote dignity, independence and belonging for each young person.

You’ll work with a dedicated team, communicate with families, and provide trauma‑informed, person‑centred support in a calm, collaborative setting.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children and young people with complex needs.
• Ability to lead a team during shifts and manage challenging situations.
• Strong communication with families and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the team during shifts.
• Provide guidance in complex or challenging situations.
• Build trusting relationships with young people.
• Support personal care and medical needs with dignity.
• Follow individual care, medical and support plans.
• Promote independence and community involvement.
• Use trauma-informed and person-centred approaches to support emotional regulation.
• Create a safe, predictable environment for young people and staff.
• Communicate effectively with families and team members.

Skills

Team leadership

Disability care

Communication

Education

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

Job description

Lead a team. Support young people. Make a meaningful difference.

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Team Leader to join our team supporting children and young people aged 0–18 with complex physical, intellectual, developmental and medical disabilities.

As a Team Leader, you’ll play an important role in supporting both our young people and the team around them. You’ll provide guidance and leadership on shift, help maintain a safe and consistent environment, and ensure each young person receives care that promotes dignity, choice, independence and connection.

As a Team Leader, you will:

• Lead and support the team during shifts
• Provide guidance and support during complex or challenging situations
• Build trusting and respectful relationships with young people
• Support personal care and medical needs with patience and dignity
• Follow individual care, medical and support plans
• Promote independence, choice, participation and community involvement
• Support emotional regulation using calm, trauma-informed and person-centred approaches
• Help create a safe, predictable and positive environment for both young people and staff
• Communicate effectively with families, team members and other professionals

You’ll be a great fit if you:

• Genuinely enjoy working with children and young people
• Have experience in disability, nursing, youth work, community services or a related field
• Are confident supporting complex physical, intellectual, developmental and medical needs
• Have experience supporting complex behaviours and escalated situations
• Are a calm, reliable and confident leader who can support a team
• Communicate clearly and build strong professional relationships
• Are passionate about helping young people experience dignity, independence and belonging

What we offer:

• Permanent part-time Pay Rate starting at $40.49 plus Allowances for shifts worked
• Paid induction and supported shadow shifts to help you feel confident from day one.
• 24/7 on-call support, so you're never working alone.
• Paid specialised training, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and The Sanctuary Model.
• Wellness initiatives and 24/7 access to the Sonder wellbeing app.
• Access to an employee rewards hub with savings and cashback on everyday purchases.
• Employee recognition programs, including service awards and gift vouchers.
• A company vehicle to use during shifts, reducing wear and tear on your own car.
• Complimentary Orbit World Travel Club membership and travel benefits.
• Genuine opportunities to grow your career as Kanda continues to expand.

You’ll need:

Current Australian Driver Licence (minimum P2)

Working with Children Blue Card and NDIS Worker Screening Check, or willingness to obtain

Current First Aid and CPR, or willingness to obtain

Certificate IV/Diploma in Community Services, Youth Work, Social Work or a related qualification, completed or currently studying

Availability to work across a 7-day roster

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

If you’re ready to lead with purpose, support your team and make a genuine difference in the lives of young people, we’d love to hear from you.

GSL is 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.