Work with us

Who we are and what we do?

At Uniting Communities, we believe every young person deserves to feel safe, valued and supported to reach their potential. 

Jo’s Therapeutic Youth Residential Care (TYRC) provides a safe and supportive home environment for young people who may have experienced trauma, disadvantage and significant challenges in their lives. 

Our approach is different from traditional residential care. We work therapeutically, relationally and through a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, recognising that every young person has their own story, strengths and goals. 

As a Therapeutic Youth Worker, you will be an important part of creating a safe, predictable and nurturing environment where young people can build trust, develop skills, strengthen relationships and experience positive change. 

About the role 

As a Therapeutic Youth Worker, you will work as part of a collaborative team where your focus will be on building genuine relationships with young people and supporting them in their day-to-day lives while working within their therapeutic plans and the service model. 

You will: 

• Build trusting and respectful relationships with young people.  

• Support young people to identify and work towards their individual goals.  

• Use trauma-informed, therapeutic and strengths-based approaches in your everyday interactions.  

• Support young people through periods of conflict, distress or crisis through use of repair and reflection following conflict or relationship breakdowns.  

• Help young people develop positive routines, relationships and life skills.  

• Encourage young people to maintain appropriate connections with family, friends and community.  

• Support positive relationships between young people within the residence.  

• Advocate for the needs of young people with the team, managers and other stakeholders.  

• Participate in celebrations and activities that are meaningful to young people.  

• Complete case notes, records, incident reports and other required documentation.  

• Help maintain the residence as a safe, welcoming and supportive home environment.  

This is a 24/7 residential service 

Because young people live at Jo’s, consistency is incredibly important.  We operate a 24/7 roster across seven days, including mornings, afternoons, evenings and overnight sleepover shifts. 

Your roster will include: 

• 7:00am – 2:45pm 
• 2:30pm – 10:00pm 
• 4:00pm – 11:00pm – Passive sleepover, continuing until 7:00am 

About you 

We are looking for people who are calm, emotionally aware and genuinely motivated to work alongside young people who may have experienced significant trauma and adversity.  You don't need to have all the answers. What matters is your ability to build trust, remain consistent and see the young person behind the behaviour. 

You will have: 

• Certificate IV in Child, Youth & Family Intervention or equivalent.  

• Experience working with young people, particularly young people who have experienced complex trauma.  

• Experience supporting young people through conflict, crisis or challenging situations.  

• An understanding of trauma-informed practice and therapeutic approaches, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.  

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  

• The ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.  

• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.  

• A willingness to learn, reflect and participate in ongoing training and development.  

The non-negotiables:  Before applying, please make sure you meet these requirements: 

• South Australian Driver's Licence:  You must hold and maintain a minimum of P2 Driver's Licence. 

• Minimum two sleepovers per week:  You must be available to work at least two passive sleepover shifts every week as part of the 24/7 roster. 

• Availability for shift work:  You must be available to work across mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends and overnight sleepover shifts. 

Qualifications, checks and training 

You will need to hold, or be willing to obtain: 

• Certificate IV in Child, Youth & Family Intervention or equivalent.  

• Child Safe Environment Certificate.  

• First Aid and current CPR 

• National Police Check.  

• Working with Children check.  

• DCSI Child Related Psychometric Assessment.  

• Fitness Capacity Evaluation 

• Other mandatory training required by the Department for Child Protection and Uniting Communities.  

Why join us?  

About Us  

Uniting Communities is a leading, inclusive not-for profit community services organisation working alongside more than 80,000 South Australians each year to reduce inequality, improve wellbeing, overcome disadvantage, and support people to live the best lives they can. We value diversity and are committed to providing respectful, accessible services.  

Why Work For Us?  

• In addition to your salary, you can package up to $15,900 per year pre-tax and additionally a $2,650 Meals and Entertainment card.   

• How could working for a Not-For-Profit impact your take home pay? Visit our salary packaging provider for details - Access Pay  

• 12 Weeks Paid Maternity Leave  

• 1 Week Paid Cultural Leave for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Staff  

• 1 Day of Community Engagement Leave  

Check out our additional benefits at www.unitingcommunities.org