Direct Care Worker

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Since 1974, Althea Projects Inc. has been supporting and strengthening the capacity of vulnerable people within Townsville and the surrounding regions. Our main programs are Foster & Kinship, Wee Care Residential, and Althea's Community Hub, from which we deliver a range of services.

Our Wee Care Residential Services provides crisis, emergency, and short-term residential services for children aged 0-11 years. We are looking to appoint Direct Care Workers for our Althea House residential facility on a casual basis.

Applicants with a background in youth work in a residential facility and experience working with children who have experienced trauma are encouraged to apply.

As a Direct Care Worker at Althea House, you will be responsible for:

• Providing high-quality care, supervision, safety, security, and personal support services following established procedures for children residing at Althea House.
• Assessing needs accurately and applying appropriate responses to complex behaviors exhibited by children.
• Implementing trauma-informed, best practice, positive behavior support strategies focused on dignity, rights, and the child's best interests.
• Organizing outings and activities that meet the needs of children in care.
• Assisting the Coordinator with supervisory tasks delegated to lower-level Direct Care Workers as needed.
• Transporting children in accordance with their routines.
• Supervising family contact visits via phone when required and directed.
• Following daily housekeeping routines.
• Preparing healthy, nutritious meals for children following household routines.
• Maintaining accurate records of client information and completing all required case management documentation.

In return, we offer:

• An opportunity to help change lives
• Supportive management and team
• SCHADS Award Level 3 wages
• Attractive salary packaging up to $15,900 p.a.
• Employee Assistance Program

How to Apply

Please submit your resume with a succinct response to the selection criteria (max 2 pages), providing examples of relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

Applications close at 5.00 pm on 15 August 2025. We may start screening and interviewing suitable candidates before this date.

Selection Criteria:

• Diploma of Community Services or Early Childhood Education with at least 2 years' relevant experience working with children aged 0-12 or within the human services field / child residential care, OR relevant certificate with comparable experience or expertise.
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Hope and Healing training, with about two years' experience applying such training.
• Experience working with children and families with complex health, social, and wellbeing needs, including knowledge of techniques to address complex behaviors.
• Ability to undertake housekeeping routines, maintain cleanliness, and complete relevant charts and checklists.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team to meet program goals.
• Experience in positively engaging with children and families, and with Child Safety, and solving minor problems.
• Cultural awareness and ability to provide culturally appropriate engagement to Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Driver's license, Senior First Aid Certificate, positive notice (Blue Card), and ability to obtain Asthma & Anaphylaxis and Food Safety certificates within 4 weeks of employment.

Salary match, number of applicants, skills match.

Your application will include questions about:

• Food Safety certificate
• Working With Children (WWC) Check
• First Aid certifications
• Right to work in Australia
• Years of experience as a Direct Care Worker
• Current Australian driver's license
• Qualification in community services
• Notice period required to current employer

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