Job Description
Connect Community Workforce Specialists PTY LTD – Ipswich QLD
At Connect CWS, we were built from the ground up by Youth Workers, for Youth Workers.
We believe every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, connected, and supported to reach their full potential.
Our residential homes are more than a service, they're places where young people can experience stability, develop meaningful relationships, heal from past experiences, and build positive futures.
Everything we do is guided by our values:
Compassion
Curiosity
Playfulness
Accountability
As a PACE Framework organisation, we are committed to delivering therapeutic, strengths-based and person-centred support that helps young people thrive.
We invest heavily in our people, because we know that when our staff feel supported, respected and empowered, the young people in our care receive the very best outcomes.
About Us
At Connect CWS, we were built from the ground up by Youth Workers, for Youth Workers.
We believe every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, connected, and supported to reach their full potential.
Our residential homes are more than a service, they're places where young people can experience stability, develop meaningful relationships, heal from past experiences, and build positive futures.
Everything we do is guided by our values:
Compassion
Curiosity
Playfulness
Accountability
As a PACE Framework organisation, we are committed to delivering therapeutic, strengths-based and person-centred support that helps young people thrive.
We invest heavily in our people, because we know that when our staff feel supported, respected and empowered, the young people in our care receive the very best outcomes.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Youth Residential Team Leader to join our growing leadership team in Ipswich.
This is more than a management position.
It is an opportunity to lead a team that is making a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people every day.
As a Residential Team Leader, you will provide leadership, guidance and support to a team of Youth Workers across our residential care services.
You will work alongside your Service Manager and fellow leaders to create safe, therapeutic,



and home-like environments where young people can feel a sense of belonging and connection.
You will be responsible for balancing operational leadership with therapeutic practice, ensuring staff feel supported, young people feel heard, and services are delivered to the highest standard.
We are looking for someone who leads with authenticity, remains calm under pressure, values relationships, and genuinely believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, mentor and support a team of Youth Workers to provide high-quality therapeutic care.
Coordinate rosters, staffing requirements and day-to-day residential operations.
Conduct supervision, performance conversations and regular team meetings.
Foster a positive team culture built on accountability, learning, respect and collaboration.
Support staff to implement trauma-informed, therapeutic and strengths-based approaches.
Ensure young people receive consistent, person-centred support aligned with their care plans and individual needs.
Monitor and respond appropriately to the emotional, behavioural, educational, cultural and social needs of young people.
Create and maintain safe, welcoming and nurturing home environments.
Coordinate and participate in case planning meetings and multidisciplinary care teams.
Build positive relationships with Child Safety, families, schools, health professionals and community stakeholders.
Ensure accurate documentation, incident reporting and case management records.
Support compliance with organisational policies, the Human Services Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards and other legislative requirements.
Assist with resource management, household budgets and continuous service improvement initiatives.
Model Connect CWS values in every interaction with young people, families, staff and stakeholders.
About You
You are an experienced leader who understands that strong relationships change lives.




You bring a balance of professionalism, empathy and resilience, and you are passionate about supporting both young people and the staff who care for them.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
A Diploma or higher qualification in Youth Work, Community Services, Child Youth and Family Intervention or a related discipline.
Minimum 3 years' leadership experience within residential care, out-of-home care, child protection or a related human services environment.
Experience leading, mentoring and developing teams.
Strong knowledge of trauma-informed and therapeutic care practices.
Experience working collaboratively with Child Safety and external stakeholders.
Sound understanding of child protection requirements, Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF), Child Safe Standards and relevant legislation.
Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
Confidence managing complex situations with professionalism and sound judgement.
Current Blue Card.
Current First Aid and CPR Certificate.
Current Queensland Driver Licence.
Highly regarded:
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training.
Previous experience as a Residential Team Leader, Senior Youth Worker, Case Manager or similar position.
Experience supporting young people with complex trauma and high support needs.
What We Offer
At Connect CWS, we know that caring for young people starts with caring for our people.
When you join our team, you'll have access to:
Competitive remuneration.
Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
Reflective supervision and leadership support.
Career progression pathways within a growing organisation.
Comprehensive induction and onboarding.
A cooperative and supportive leadership team.
Flexible work arrangements where operationally possible.
An organisation that genuinely values your wellbeing and contribution.
Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to help shape the lives of young people and support a team that is committed to creating meaningful, lasting change.
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
Our kids deserve the best of us.
If that sounds like you, we'd love to meet you.

📌 Youth Residential Team Leader (Queensland)
🏢 Connect Community Workforce Specialists
📍 Queensland