Youth Residential Worker

Ohana Community Services; Gladstone Regional; On-site; AUD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Casual work arrangements

Competitive hourly rates

Professional development

Employee assistance programs

Supportive team environment

Clear pathways to permanency/contract

Job summary

Ohana Community Services in Gladstone, QLD, is seeking a compassionate Youth Residential Worker for a casual position. You will provide direct care and supervision in a residential setting, support daily living skills, and help residents engage in education and recreation.

A crucial role in creating a safe, nurturing environment for vulnerable youth. You will work within a multidisciplinary team, adhere to child protection policies, and contribute to positive outcomes for young people and their

Qualifications

• Experience working in residential care or youth services.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with vulnerable youth.
• Strong emotional resilience and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision to young people in residence, ensuring safety and wellbeing.
• Assist with daily living skills, meals, budgeting and activities.
• Maintain structured, supportive environment and model positive behaviour.
• Build trusting relationships and act as a positive role model.
• Support educational engagement and homework assistance.
• Document observations and progress notes accurately and timely.
• Communicate with families, social workers and multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Residential care experience

Communication skills

Emotional resilience

Education

Working with Children Check

First Aid & CPR certification

Job description

Ohana Community Services is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Youth Residential Worker to join our team in Gladstone, QLD. This is a casual position that plays a vital role in providing safe, supportive residential care to young people in our care. As a Youth Residential Worker, you will be instrumental in creating a nurturing environment where young people can develop, heal, and build positive relationships. Your presence and support will directly impact the lives of vulnerable youth, helping them navigate challenges and work towards positive life outcomes.

What you'll be doing

Providing direct care and supervision to young people residing in our facilities, ensuring their safety, wellbeing and comfort

Supporting young people with daily living skills, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, household management and budgeting

Creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming and structured residential environment that promotes positive behaviour and respect

Building trusting relationships with young people and acting as a positive role model

Assisting with homework, educational engagement and participation in recreational and leisure activities

Implementing behaviour support plans and therapeutic strategies as outlined by the care team

Documenting observations, incidents and progress notes accurately and in a timely manner

Communicating effectively with young people, their families, social workers and other members of the multidisciplinary team

Responding to crisis situations with compassion, de-escalation skills and professional judgement

Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to child protection and safeguarding policies at all times

What we're looking for

Passion for working with young people and a genuine commitment to child welfare and family support

Experience working in residential care, youth services, or similar child welfare settings

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport and trust with vulnerable young people

Excellent emotional resilience, patience and the ability to remain calm under pressure

Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support approaches

Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and follow care plans and policies

Current Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain one)

Current First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain one)

Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends and overnight stays as required for casual employment

A valid driver's licence is desirable

What we offer

At Ohana Community Services, we are committed to supporting our staff and fostering a positive workplace culture. We offer:

Casual work arrangements that provide flexibility around your other commitments

Competitive hourly rates of pay commensurate with experience

Professional development and training opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge

Access to employee assistance programs and mental health support services

A supportive team environment where your contribution is valued and recognised

Opportunities for progression into permanent or contract positions as they become available

The satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and their families

About us

Ohana Community Services is a dedicated organisation committed to supporting vulnerable children, young people and families across Queensland. Our mission is to provide high-quality, person-centred services that promote safety, wellbeing and positive life outcomes. We believe every young person deserves access to compassionate, professional care and support. With a strong focus on child welfare, youth development and family services, we work collaboratively with government agencies, community partners and families to create lasting positive change. Our values of respect, integrity, accountability and compassion guide everything we do, and we pride ourselves on creating inclusive, supportive workplaces where our staff can thrive whilst delivering excellent care to those we serve.