Not all youth work is the same.

Some young people require more than day-to-day support.

They need experienced professionals who can remain calm in crisis, build trust after trauma, and help create lasting change in the lives of young people with complex behavioural, emotional, and psychosocial needs.

At Connect CWS, we're looking for highly capable Youth Workers who want to work at the top of their profession in a specialist therapeutic residential care environment.

Why Join Connect CWS?

Be recognised for your expertise

This is not an entry-level residential care role.

We are building a specialist Complex Care team and are seeking experienced practitioners who bring strong therapeutic skills, sound judgement, and the ability to work confidently with high-risk and high-needs young people.

Earn more for specialist work

We believe complex care requires highly skilled workers and should be rewarded accordingly.

- Competitive remuneration
- Penalty rates and sleepover allowances
- Ongoing professional development
- Career progression pathways into leadership and specialist practice

Support that actually supports you Working with young people with complex needs can be challenging.

That's why we provide

- Structured clinical support
- Regular supervision and debriefing
- Professional development opportunities
- Accessible leadership team
- Strong therapeutic practice framework

The Role As a Specialist Complex Care Youth Worker, you will provide therapeutic, trauma-informed support to young people living in residential care who present with complex behavioural, emotional, and developmental needs.

You will play a critical role in creating safety, stability, and positive outcomes while supporting young people through challenging situations and significant life transitions.

Key responsibilities include





- Delivering high-quality therapeutic care in a residential setting
- Supporting young people with complex trauma backgrounds
- Implementing individual care and behaviour support plans
- Managing incidents and crises using therapeutic interventions
- Building positive relationships with young people and key stakeholders
- Completing high-quality case notes, reports, and documentation
- Participating in team planning, reflective practice, and clinical discussions
- Advocating for positive outcomes and opportunities for young people
- Supporting the development of life skills, independence, and community connection

What We're Looking For

Essential

- Certificate IV in Child, Youth & Family Intervention, Youth Work, Community Services or related field
- Minimum 2 years' experience working in residential care or out-of-home care
- Current Blue Card
- Current First Aid and CPR
- Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed practice
- Strong report writing and communication skills
- Ability to work across a 24/7 rotating roster including sleepovers and weekends

Highly Regarded

- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
- Hope and Healing Framework
- Experience supporting young people with complex behaviours
- Experience working with Indigenous young people and CALD communities
- Qualifications above Certificate IV

The Type of Person Who Succeeds Here

You are

- Calm under pressure
- Therapeutic rather than reactive
- Confident making decisions in complex situations
- Skilled at building rapport with young people who have experienced trauma
- Passionate about creating meaningful change
- Committed to professional excellence

Make a Real Difference This role is for experienced youth workers who want to be recognised as specialists, contribute to better outcomes for young people, and be part of a team that genuinely values qualified practice.

📌 Complex Care Youth Worker (Ipswich)
🏢 Connect Community Workforce Specialists
📍 Ipswich