Residential Youth Worker

If you’re searching for a role where every single moment has the power to change a life, this is it.

Are you fueled by a deep passion to support young people navigating some of life’s toughest challenges? Do you have the strength, heart, and resilience to be a steady, compassionate presence for children who’ve experienced trauma?

At MacKillop Family Services, we don’t just provide accommodation - we create homes. Homes where children feel safe, valued, and supported to heal, grow, and imagine a brighter future.

We’re on the lookout for an experienced, empathetic, and unshakably resilient Residential Care Worker to join our vibrant and purpose-driven OOHC team. Our team doesn’t just work with young people – we walk alongside them, offering guidance, stability, and belief when they need it most.

If you're ready to be part of something deeply meaningful, where your compassion and courage can spark real change, we’d love to hear from you.

About The Role

Reporting to the Residential House Supervisor, you'll:

• Support young people in their daily lives, helping them build practical and emotional skills
• Respond to trauma-related behaviours with care, patience, and professional insight
• Contribute to the smooth running of the home, including household tasks and admin
• Work as part of a strong, values-driven team that shows up for each other – and for the young people – every single day

We’re Looking For Someone Who Brings

• Experience in residential care or youth support
• A calm, confident approach to managing challenging behaviours
• A deep understanding of trauma-informed care
• Unshakeable resilience and a belief that every young person deserves a fresh start

We are recruiting for several Residential Care Workers based in North Metro Melbourne (Preston and surrounds) within our Out of Home Care program.

Our current vacancies are for a variety of and part-time and casual opportunities including active night lines.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention or other similar or relevant tertiary qualifications.
• A genuine interest in young people and their wellbeing.
• Demonstrate empathy for young people in our care in an open minded and nonjudgmental manner.
• Highly developed capacity for emotional self-regulation including the capacity to set and maintain consistent boundaries to provide safety, stability and consistency.

You Must Have a

• Valid and current Driver’s Licence;
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop);
• Valid Employee Working with Children Check;
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles). MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application.

We value the unique knowledge, perspectives, and cultural contributions of First Nations peoples. Your experience and insights are important to us, and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

Please address the full Key Selection Criteria outlined in the PD as part of your application.

For more information, please contact: Gemma Cassingham at: ***email_hidden***

What We Offer

• SCHADS Level 3 - $34.58 - $41.45 per hour, based on experience
• More money in your pocket – up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.
• Wellbeing that matters - Free, confidential support for mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.
• Sanctuary Organisation - MacKillop’s work is underpinned by the Sanctuary Model, an evidence supported, whole of organisation framework that brings our values to life. The model reinforces our ability to create a safe environment that teaches people to cope effectively with stress and trauma, and to heal.
• First Nations career pathways – Warrungarli Strategy supporting recruitment, retention and professional development
• Community & connection – Opportunity to join Ngindaay Guumaldanha, our Aboriginal Staff Network

Our Commitment

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person at MacKillop has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person’s ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age.

It is our goal that we continue to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Shortlisting for this position may commence immediately so please submit your application as soon as possible.