Residential Youth Workers

• Permanent Part-Time and Casual opportunities available
• Up to $74 per hour permanent rate | $83 per hour casual rate (inclusive of relevant penalty rate for shift) plus super
• Location: Mac River Residential Service, Dubbo NSW 2830
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all.

Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity 

At MAC River, we provide a safe and supportive residential rehabilitation service for young people aged 13-18 grappling with chronic drug and alcohol issues.

Our mission is to empower these young individuals through trauma-informed and culturally safe care, guiding them on a transformative journey for three months in residence, followed by six months of aftercare in the community.

As a Residential Youth Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting young people throughout their recovery journey. Working alongside residents each day, you will provide consistent care, structure, guidance, and positive role modelling within a therapeutic residential environment.

This role operates on a rotating roster and includes day, evening, overnight, weekend, and public holiday shifts.

Your Key Responsibilities will be to

• Build strong, respectful relationships with young people and support them throughout their recovery journey.
• Create a safe, stable, and supportive home environment that promotes wellbeing, personal growth, and positive change.
• Monitor the safety and wellbeing of young people, responding appropriately to incidents, health concerns, and challenging situations.
• Guide and encourage young people to develop life skills, healthy routines, and confidence to achieve their individual goals.
• Support residents with everyday living activities, including meal preparation, household responsibilities, personal wellbeing, and community participation.
• Work collaboratively with the broader team to maintain accurate records and contribute to positive outcomes for young people and their families.

 Requirements for Success

• Relevant qualifications in Youth Work, Community Services, Social Welfare, Social Science or experience in a related field
• Strong ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with young people, families, and community members.
• Genuine commitment to supporting young people and helping them build safer, healthier futures.
• Experience supporting young people or vulnerable people within community services, youth work, residential care, education, health, or similar environments.
• Demonstrated understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture, community, and ways of working with Aboriginal young people and families.
• Ability to remain calm and consistent when supporting young people experiencing complex challenges and behaviours.
• Current First Aid & CPR Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
• Full driver's licence with no restrictions.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people. 

Your Benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including: 

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support.
• Volunteering opportunities  
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.

Our Culture 

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.  

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at Deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au  

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia. 

How To Apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received and we are interviewing through the advertising period.  Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you