ITC Youth Worker

Wandiyali is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, established in Newcastle in 1997. We are the largest accredited Aboriginal provider of PSP OOHC within Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Region, and Port Stephens. Wandiyali also has a number of Preservation Programs and support services that work closely with children, young people and families.

Wandiyali strives to employ, support, and develop therapeutic skills of Aboriginal people who have a passion for working in this sector.

Wandiyali puts people first, recognising the link between positive client outcomes and a positive workplace culture, which includes an emphasis on wellbeing and a true work life balance. Wandiyali promotes a collaborative workplace, recognising the value, strengths and contribution of all employees.

The Opportunity

The ITC Youth Worker is responsible for providing day-to-day care and support to children and young people in Intensive Therapeutic Care settings. The role focuses on creating a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment that promotes healing, growth, and development. The ITC Youth Worker collaborates with the care team to implement therapeutic care plans and activities, ensuring the emotional, physical, and social well-being of children and young people.

The PSP ITC Youth Worker has the following key accountabilities:

• Direct Care and Support
• Therapeutic Intervention
• Relationship Building
• Cultural Competence
• Crisis Management
• Collaboration and Communication
• Professional Development

Rosters

Wandiyali is currently hiring for both Part-Time and Casual positions.

Our Intensive Therapeutic Care (ITC) program operates 24/7, including public holidays, to ensure consistent support for young people in our care.

Please note, we work on a sliding 4-days on, 4-days off roster over an 8-week cycle. The roster includes sleepover shifts and weekend work as part of the regular schedule.

The Benefits

As a Wandiyali PSP ITC Youth Worker, you benefit from additional career development support, including,

• 12 weeks induction.
• Ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement.

You will also have the option to reduce tax and cost of living expenses through,

· Salary Packaging of up to $15,900 each FBT year

• Meal and Entertainment Salary Sacrifice of up to $2,650 each FBT year
• Employee Benefits programs providing discounts on a large variety of consumer services and products.

If you are looking for a career that is dedicated to truly making positive change and you have experience working with Aboriginal children, young people, families, or communities we would like to hear from you.

How to apply

Successful applicants will be invited to a Teams Interview.

Please note a current WWCC, National Police Check (completed in the last 12 months), First Aid certificate including CPR, and a current Driver's License (P1 or above) is required prior to the successful applicant's start date.

For this position, please attach:

• A current resume
• A cover letter introducing yourself, and the below;
• A commitment to the Vision, Mission, and Values of our Organisation.
• Identify as Aboriginal or/and Torres Strait Islander or Culturally confident and able to demonstrate their knowledge and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the community.
• Qualifications: A Certificate IV or higher in Youth Work, Community Services, Social Work, or a related field (or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe), additionally a current First Aid and CPR certification, valid Working with Children Check (WWCC), and National Police Check.
• Demonstrated experience working with children and young people, particularly those with complex trauma, behavioural concerns, or in Intensive Therapeutic Care (ITC) settings.
• Strong skills in managing challenging behaviours and experience in implementing therapeutic interventions and trauma-informed practices is highly desirable.

Closing date: Friday 5th of December 2025

Please note applications may close earlier than the stated date, if a suitable applicant is found.

For further information please contact;

Emma Withers

People and Culture Officer

or

An applicant's race is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised by Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977

Essential Criteria:

• Culturally confident and able to demonstrate their knowledge and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the community.
• Certificate IV in Youth Work, Community Services, or related field or willing to obtain, along with current First Aid and CPR certification, valid Working with Children Check (WWCC), and National Police Check.
• Demonstrated experience working with children and young people in care, particularly those with complex trauma and behavioural issues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with children, young people, families, and professionals.
• Resilience and ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, and external stakeholders.
• Organisational skills and attention to detail in documentation and reporting.
• Strong advocacy skills with the ability to promote the rights and best interests of children and young people.
• Strong Organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and documentation.
• Ability to respond effectively to crises and critical incidents, providing appropriate support and intervention.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and learning.
• Ability to engage in reflective practice and contribute to continuous improvement processes.
• Commitment to upholding child safety, rights, and quality care principles as outlined by the OCG.