If you possess resilience, excellent communication skills, and a positive attitude, we want to hear from you!

About The Role

As a Youth Worker in our Therapeutic Residential Care program with Mackillop, you will provide intensive, trauma-informed support to children and young people with complex emotional, behavioural, and psychological needs—many of whom have experienced significant adversity, trauma, or disrupted attachments. These young people cannot be safely supported in foster care and require a highly structured, consistent, and compassionate environment to begin healing.

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team—including clinicians, care team members, and allied health professionals—to implement individualised therapeutic plans that address the root causes of behaviour, build emotional resilience, and support long-term recovery and development. Your role will be central to helping young people develop trust, experience safety, and form positive, secure relationships in both residential and community settings.

Several, ongoing part-time positions available now!

Your Impact

Build meaningful therapeutic relationships that help young people regulate emotions, develop social skills, and rebuild a sense of self-worth.

Support young people through complex and high-risk behaviours using consistent, trauma-informed practicesImplement and maintain therapeutic care frameworks based on attachment theory, neurodevelopment, and behaviour supportRespond effectively to crises while maintaining a calm and supportive presenceFoster environments where young people feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow

About You

To be successful in this role, you will need:

A deep commitment to working with children and young people with high and complex needsStrong understanding of trauma and its impacts on development and behaviourCapacity to remain calm and effective in challenging situationsAvailability for a variety of shifts,



including sleepovers and active nightsExcellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligenceA values-driven approach rooted in compassion, consistency, and respect

Key Selection Criteria

Experience working therapeutically with young people with complex trauma, mental health challenges, disability, or high-risk behavioursProven ability to follow and implement individualised case plans, behaviour support plans, and safety plansAbility to use evidence-informed approaches such as social learning, emotional coaching, and positive behavioural supportCapacity to contribute to a team culture focused on reflective practice, learning, and continuous improvementWillingness to engage in ongoing training and supervision within a therapeutic model of care

For a full position listing, please click APPLY. The Position Description is available for review at the bottom of the page.

What We Offer At MacKillop

SCHADS (Level 3) – Dependent on qualifications & experienceMore money in your pocket – salary sacrifice 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 developmentCommunity & connection – Opportunity to join Ngindaay Guumaldanha, our Aboriginal Staff Network

Requirements

To be eligible for this role, you must possess:

Have a Cert IV in Community Services, or Youth Work (or related) or higher or be willing to obtain.Valid and current Driver's LicenseSatisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop)Valid Employee Working with Vulnerable People CheckValid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application)A first aid certificate with at least 6-months validity

How To Apply

To apply for this exciting chance, click 'Apply' and follow the prompts to submit your application via the Seek website.

Our Commitment

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person 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.

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.

For More Information, Please Contact

Claire Michael on [email protected]

Shortlisting for this role will immediately

Curious about the MacKillop vibe? Jump onto Instagram and follow @mackillopcareers for a fun, inside look at our team culture.

📌 Therapeutic Youth Worker - ACT (Canberra)
🏢 MacKillop Family Services
📍 Canberra