Youth Worker

A Good Start to Life; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 27,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

A Good Start to Life seeks caring professionals to support children and young people (0–18) with daily routines, personal care and development of life skills. You will help with school prep, meals and daytime activities, while prioritising safety, dignity and respectful care.

The role requires patience, strong communication, and the ability to follow individual care and medical plans to support consistent progress and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and young people aged 0–18.
• Ability to follow individual care, medical and support plans.
• Strong communication and boundary management in a professional setting.

Responsibilities

• Support children and young people with daily routines, schooling prep and personal care.
• Provide safety, dignity and respectful responses to behaviours of concern.
• Promote independence, life skills and community involvement.
• Maintain a predictable, supportive and child-safe environment.

Skills

Child care empathy

Communication

Patience

Behaviour support

Education

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

Job description

You’re supporting children and young people each with their own personality, experiences, strengths, challenges, needs and goals.
One shift might involve helping a young person get ready for school, supporting personal care, preparing meals or helping them start their day with confidence.
You might help build independence through everyday routines and life skills, while providing the right level of support along the way.
You might sit and listen after a difficult day, celebrate a small achievement or simply be someone they know they can rely on.
You may support young people by responding to behaviours of concern while maintaining safety, dignity and respect.

Proposed Roster
To support consistency and build strong relationships, the permanent part-time position will be offered with an agreed regular roster, providing predictable hours and opportunities to become a familiar and trusted member of the young person's support team.
Proposed roster:

A)
Week 1: Monday 4pm – 10pm & Sunday 4pm – 10pm
Week 2: Monday 4pm – 10pm, Tuesday 4pm – 10pm, Thursday 4pm – 10pm & Friday 4pm – 10pm – ALL WITH SLEEPOVER COMPONANT (8 am finish)

C)
Week 1: Wednesday 4pm – 10pm Thursday 4pm – 10pm, Friday 4pm – 10pm & Saturday 4pm – 10pm
Week 2: Wednesday 4pm – 10pm Thursday 4pm – 10pm, Friday 4pm – 10pm & Sunday 4pm – 10pm
You might be a great fit if you:

• Genuinely enjoy working with children and young people aged 0–18
• Are confident and comfortable supporting young people
• Are calm, patient and able to support young people throughemotional regulation and challenging moments
• Can follow individual care, medical and support plans while maintaining a safe and consistent environment
• Can encourageindependence, participation and community involvement, regardless of a young person’s level of ability
• Are a strong communicator who can build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries
• Bring warmth, positivity and a willingness to learn, understanding that every young person has different needs

You’re supporting children and young people each with their own personality, experiences, strengths, challenges, needs and goals.
One shift might involve helping a young person get ready for school, supporting personal care, preparing meals or helping them start their day with confidence.
You might help build independence through everyday routines and life skills, while providing the right level of support along the way.
You might sit and listen after a difficult day, celebrate a small achievement or simply be someone they know they can rely on.
You may support young people by responding to behaviours of concern while maintaining safety, dignity and respect.

Proposed Roster
To support consistency and build strong relationships, the permanent part-time position will be offered with an agreed regular roster, providing predictable hours and opportunities to become a familiar and trusted member of the young person's support team.
Proposed roster:

A)
Week 1: Monday 4pm – 10pm & Sunday 4pm – 10pm
Week 2: Monday 4pm – 10pm, Tuesday 4pm – 10pm, Thursday 4pm – 10pm & Friday 4pm – 10pm – ALL WITH SLEEPOVER COMPONANT (8 am finish)

B)
Week 1: Tuesday 6am – 4pm, Wednesday 8am – 4pm
Week 2: Monday 6am – 4pm, Wednesday 8am – 4pm, Friday 6am – 4pm & Sunday 6am – 4pm

C)
Week 1: Wednesday 4pm – 10pm Thursday 4pm – 10pm, Friday 4pm – 10pm & Saturday 4pm – 10pm
Week 2: Wednesday 4pm – 10pm Thursday 4pm – 10pm, Friday 4pm – 10pm & Sunday 4pm – 10pm
You might be a great fit if you:

• Genuinely enjoy working with children and young people aged 0–18
• Are confident and comfortable supporting young people
• Are calm, patient and able to support young people throughemotional regulation and challenging moments
• Can follow individual care, medical and support plans while maintaining a safe and consistent environment
• Can encourageindependence, participation and community involvement, regardless of a young person’s level of ability
• Are a strong communicator who can build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries
• Bring warmth, positivity and a willingness to learn, understanding that every young person has different needs

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

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.