Make a difference in the lives of children who need it most.
We need you!
Fixed term and permanent employees receive 17.5% annual leave loading.
Casuals receive an additional 25% loading allowance on top of the base salary $79,604 - $85,350 pa pro rata and penalty rates may apply.
We are seeking employees who have genuine care and compassion for others, and who can work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary team to meet the needs and best interests of the child. Those who are resilient, patient, calm, have a non-judgmental attitude and recognise and respect cultural differences. People that can teach life skills and engage children positively in recreational skills. Those that can exhibit solid communication skills, quickly adapt to changing needs, and can understand and practice self-care.
Your Role. Your Impact.
You will be embraced by a supportive team who are very welcoming. The team are willing to empower you and share their experience for you to thrive, whilst being reflective in its practice to achieve the best outcomes for the children in care.
The vision for Therapeutic Residential Care in Western Australia is to provide a safe and stable home for young people that enables them to heal, connect, learn, and be prepared for their adult lives.
Want to make a difference? You will!
As a Therapeutic Residential Care Worker you will be responsible for working as a member of a team to achieve best outcomes for children and young people and providing group and individual therapeutic residential care to children and young people. You will assist in planning, developing and implementing activities for children and young people. Refer to the attached Job Description Form for further information.
You will be required to work a rotating roster of morning, afternoon and awake night shifts from Monday to Sunday to support the children in care in a 24/7 service.
Your work is guided by the Sanctuary Model to ensure the consistent delivery of trauma informed care to young people in Therapeutic Residential Care, which includes the Seven Commitments for creating safe environments. (see attached)
Join an online Information Session
You will hear from our leaders about Therapeutic Residential Care, the role, their experiences and career progression working with Department of Communities. A HR Business Partner will provide information about the Department and employment benefits. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Register your attendance for 7 October 2026 at 5pm (AWST) using the link below
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/residential-care-worker-information-session-perth-west-australia-71026-tickets-1998703213114?aff=oddtdtcreator
Visit Careers at Communities – our roles for more information.
We believe all our people are leaders, regardless of their role. Our Leadership Expectations, outlined in Building Leadership Impact, describe the behaviours and mindsets we value. The leadership context for this position is Personal Leadership.
If you are unable to attend, and seek further information, please contact the Keith Maine Administration team on (08) •••• •848 or email
[email protected] for a recording of the information session.
For more details, please refer to the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Why Work With Us?
In return for your skills, passion and commitment we will offer you a range of benefits. Communities is a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program
If you’re looking for more than just a job and ready to make a difference, apply now!
Click the ‘Apply for Job’ button and provide documents in Word or PDF format only:
1. A current resume/CV that outlines your relevant experience for the role and includes two work related referees.
2. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of relevance of the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
3. An application form (for hard copy applications only).
You will be prompted to answer the following online questions. Your responses form part of your application assessment.
- Q1 - Do you hold a current West Australian 'C' or 'C-A' class Licence, or equivalent?
If selected for an interview please note for the below question you may be required to provide the name, organisation and email address of the manager/supervisor who can verify your experience.
- Q2 - In 300 words or less, please outline your experience in working with children and young people including Aboriginal and other culturally diverse groups, utilising a trauma informed approach. Within your response, please also include how you uphold personal resilience and foster teamwork.
Please provide a response in relation to your prior experience and the context of the Therapeutic Residential Care Worker job description. We want to hear from you, please provide a response in your own words, and not AI generated. (Criteria 1 & 3)
Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) during the selection process.
Applicants will be assessed on their ability to meet the following Suitability Requirements:
- Pre-employment: Complete a medical and physical functional capacity examination.
- Organisational Requirement: Attend paid mandatory training from 23 November 2026 to 18 December 2026.
The Suitability Requirements may be assessed at any stage of the recruitment process, which may include interview, referee reports and/or other assessment methods.
Appointment is subject to meeting all Suitability Requirements.
For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, discuss adjustments or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Kate Cottingham, HR Advisor at
[email protected].
Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments will be made for this or similar future vacancies (permanent, fixed term or casual) that arise within the next 12 months across the Department of Communities.
Equality and Diversity
The Department of Communities is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As a measure to achieve equality and support, section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position. Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.
If you have any access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, or alternative methods of communication, please contact Kate Cottingham, HR Advisor at
[email protected] and via 04•• ••• 287.
If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 •4 64.
Integrity and Honesty
In line with Communities policies, applicants may be asked for consent to undergo criminal record screening and integrity checks during the application process. To read more, click here.
Privacy Notice
Personal information is collected and managed in accordance with the Privacy and
Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (PRIS Act). By submitting your application, you acknowledge the collection of your personal information. For further details on how your information is handled, please view our Privacy Policy.
Please note: This recruitment process may be closed or withdrawn at any stage. Applicants will be notified if this occurs.
Lodgement is system generated. Any emailed applications or late submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted.
📌 Therapeutic Residential Care Worker (Perth)
🏢 Department of Communities
📍 Perth