About the role The Lead Residential Youth Worker leads shift operations in a boarding house and carries significant responsibility for the welfare of the students in residence during that shift. Working within the CARE Framework and under the general direction of the Head of House, the Lead Residential Youth Worker provides support, guidance and welfare services to students, supervises and directs Boarding Staff and other Pastoral Support Services employees on shift, and maintains effective communication with students' parents and carers.

The role is the senior practitioner on shift. It ensures daily routines, supervision and behaviour support are delivered consistently and safely, manages incidents as they arise, and provides clear handover and escalation to the Head of House (or delegate). The Lead Residential Youth Worker is classified at Pastoral Support Services Grade C (Level 4) under the Djarragun College Enterprise Agreement 2025.

Key responsibilities

- Lead the shift operations of the boarding house from handover to handover, carrying significant responsibility for the welfare of all students in residence during the shift
- Take charge of the boarding house for the duration of the shift and act as the first point of contact for staff, students, families and College leadership
- Conduct shift briefings and allocate staff to supervision zones, routines and activities so that required supervision ratios are met
- Complete and verify student headcounts and roll checks at required points of the shift, including sign-in/sign-out, leave and return, and lights out
- Monitor the shift as it runs, re-deploy staff as circumstances change, and adjust routines to maintain safety and order




- Deliver a complete written and verbal handover to the incoming shift leader and Head of House
- Supervise and direct Boarding Mentors and other Pastoral Support Services employees on shift so that practice is consistent, safe and CARE-aligned
- Lead the response to incidents and emergencies on shift, exercising independent judgment within College policy and escalating appropriately
- Provide support, guidance and welfare services to students, and monitor the welfare of every student on shift
- Ensure the daily routines of the boarding house are delivered and the residential setting is safe, orderly and supportive of independence and life skills

About you

- Demonstrated experience working with children or young people, preferably in a residential, boarding or youth work setting
- Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise and support other staff on shift
- Ability to build positive, professional relationships with adolescents and their families
- Sound understanding of trauma-informed practice and the CARE model (or equivalent), and the ability to coach others in its application
- Ability to exercise independent judgment, manage incidents and make timely decisions within College policy
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including accurate record keeping,



incident reporting and handover
- Certificate IV or Diploma in Youth Work, Community Services or a similar field with relevant work experience; OR Certificate III in a relevant field with extensive relevant experience; OR an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
- Current eligibility to work in Australia
- Current Blue Card (or an eligible exemption) for working with children in paid employment in Queensland
- Current First Aid and CPR certification, or the capacity to obtain it prior to commencement
- Availability to work a rotating roster including early mornings, evenings, weekends and, where required, sleepover shifts

About us Djarragun College is an established Prep to Year 12, co-educational College with a strong commitment to fostering the educational growth and holistic development of Indigenous students. Located in Gordonvale, Queensland, the College's curriculum integrates conventional explicit direct instruction with culturally relevant pedagogy, ensuring students remain connected with their culture while acquiring critical skills for future success.

Djarragun

College is renowned for its unwavering dedication to its students and is a secondary boarding day and boarding school.

Embedded within the College is Cape York Girl Academy, a pioneering, girls only program that stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, especially for young Indigenous women. The Academy focuses on delivering a holistic educational experience that goes beyond the classroom, addressing the specific needs of young Indigenous mothers and their children.

📌 Lead Residential Youth Worker (Shift Lead) (Gordonvale)
🏢 Djarragun College
📍 Gordonvale