Are you passionate about supporting young people to feel safe, valued and empowered? We are seeking experienced Residential Youth Workers to join our Out-of-Home-Care Team at MADEC.

This is an chance to be part of a purpose-driven, not-for-profit community organisation that has been supporting individuals, families and communities across the Mackay and Whitsunday region for more than 50 years.

Location: Mackay, QLD

Employment: Permanent Full-Time & Permanent Part-Time

Pay Rate: $40.49 – $108.55 per hour, depending on shift and applicable penalties

Applications Close: 10 October 2026

About the Role

As a Residential Youth Worker, you will play an important role in creating a safe, stable, nurturing and supportive home environment for young people living in residential care.

Working alongside Key Support Workers, Team Leaders and the broader Out-of-Home-Care Team, you will support young people to develop their independence, exercise choice and control, build positive relationships and achieve their individual goals.

This is a permanent position working across a fortnightly roster.

The role requires flexibility and availability to work a range of shifts, including:

- Sleepover shifts
- Morning shifts
- Afternoon/evening shifts
- Weekend shifts
- Public holiday shifts

Availability to regularly work sleepover shifts is an essential requirement of this position, in addition to availability across other shift types within the fortnightly roster.

What You’ll Do

As a Residential Youth Worker, you will:

- Provide person-centred support that responds to the individual needs, goals and preferences of each young person.
- Create a safe, respectful and nurturing residential environment.
- Support young people to develop independence, life skills and confidence.
- Empower young people to exercise choice and control in their lives.




- Implement positive behaviour support strategies and respond appropriately to challenging situations.
- Build trusting and respectful relationships with young people.
- Support young people to participate in education, recreation, appointments and community activities.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including incident reports, behaviour reports, hazard reports and maintenance requests.
- Work collaboratively with Key Support Workers, Team Leaders, support networks and other professionals.
- Follow organisational policies, procedures and relevant legislative requirements.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace health and safety.

About You

We are looking for people who are resilient, compassionate, reliable and genuinely passionate about working with young people. To be successful, you will have:

- Previous experience working as a Residential Youth Worker or in a similar youth/out-of-home-care environment.
- A genuine commitment to supporting young people and promoting positive outcomes.
- The ability to remain calm, professional and supportive in challenging situations.
- Availability to commit to a permanent fortnightly roster, including sleepovers, mornings, afternoons/evenings, weekends and public holidays.
- A Certificate IV in Child, Family and Youth Intervention, Early Childhood Education or equivalent, or evidence of current enrolment.
- A valid Queensland Driver Licence.
- A current Working with Children Check (Blue Card).




- A current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance, or willingness to obtain.
- Robust communication, interpersonal and documentation skills.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team while also demonstrating initiative and sound judgement.

Why Join Us?

When you join MADEC, you’ll be supported to grow professionally while doing meaningful work in your community. We offer:

- Permanent Full-Time and Permanent Part-Time opportunities
- Competitive pay rates of $40.49 – $108.55 per hour, depending on shift and applicable penalties
- Structured fortnightly rosters
- Access to company vehicles
- Flexible working arrangements where operationally possible
- Training, professional development and ongoing support
- Salary packaging benefits
- 5 weeks annual leave + Birthday Leave
- Access to 24/7 support through our Employee Wellbeing Program – Sonder
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people

About Us

We are a not-for-profit community organisation committed to empowering people and strengthening our community. Recognised as a Public Benevolent Institution since 2014, we have been providing disability and youth supports throughout the Mackay and Whitsunday region since 1973.

We are a Licensed Child Safety Provider and a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Provider in Mackay.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are an experienced Residential Youth Worker who is looking for meaningful work, enjoys building positive relationships with young people and can commit to a permanent fortnightly roster that includes sleepover shifts, we would love to hear from you.

Applications close: 10 October 2026.

Apply now and join a team that is committed to helping young people feel safe, supported and empowered to build a brighter future!

📌 Residential Youth Worker – Permanent Positions (Mackay)
🏢 Madec
📍 Mackay