child and youth worker, residential care

Department for Child Protection

Job reference: 694134

Location: MOUNT GAMBIER

Job status: Long Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Multiple Positions Available (Pool Vacancy)

Remuneration: OPS3 $67,589 - $72,033 per annum + 12% Super (Shift penalties will apply which can increase your salary by up to $15,000 per annum)

Do you want a role where every day can inspire a young life?

Do you want to earn while you learn, with paid training and a formal qualification?

As a Child & Youth Worker, you'll:

• guide, support and empower young people in care
• keep them safe
• help them gain life skills
• give them hope for the future.

Why work in Mt Gambier?

If you're not already a local, then get set to be impressed

Mt Gambier isn't just South Australia's second largest city – it's a close-knit community surrounded by stunning natural attractions like the Blue Lake, sinkholes, caves, and coastline. Living and working here means:

• Making a difference for local children and young people in your own backyard
• Enjoying an affordable lifestyle with short commutes, great schools, and vibrant community events
• Being part of a supportive team who know and care about the Limestone Coast

You can find out a whole lot more about the benefits of relocating to our stunning Limestone Coast on our website:

About the Role:

Our mission is simple: every young person deserves safety, stability, and the chance to reach their potential.

As a Child & Youth Worker, compassion, patience, and a good sense of humour go a long way. You will be:

• Helping with day-to-day routines – meals, homework, school drop-offs, and activities
• Creating moments of fun and connection through sport, hobbies, and community events
• Offering trauma-informed care and a calm presence when challenges arise
• Keeping everyone safe, supported, and included
• Encouraging the skills young people need to build confidence and thrive in the community.

Benefits of working with DCP:

Get more than just a pay cheque. We value our staff and offer:

• Real impact: make a lasting difference in young lives
• Paid training: we'll pay you to complete the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention while you work, plus provide on-the-job mentoring

• Leave & entitlements:

• Up to 5 weeks annual leave (for full-time employees)

• Up to 12 days personal/sick leave per year

• Up to 15 days special leave per year

• Recognition: our annual DCP Recognition Awards recognises staff excellence

• Room to grow: ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Support: free counselling for you and your family through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Self-care: Access over 1,700 gyms, fitness centres and pools across Australia through our Fitness Passport program for you and your family.

About You:

You don't need to be perfect – you just need to care, listen, and be willing to learn.

You're someone who can:

• Stay calm when things get tricky
• Build trust with young people quickly
• Keep boundaries while showing empathy
• Adapt to days that never look the same.

Essential Requirements:

• SA Driver's Licence (P2 or above)
• SA Working with Children Check
• First Aid Certificate – HLTAID012 (Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting)
• Ability to complete an 8-week, full-time induction program

• Availability to work AM, PM, night shifts, weekends, and public holidays.

• Night shift-only rosters (full-time, part-time, or casual) are available. Just let us know your preference in your application.

Desirable attributes:

Life experience and the right attitude matter a lot, but it's a plus if you also have some experience or transferable skills from areas such as:

• Childcare
• Education
• Disability support
• Aged care
• Youth work
• Community services.

Visa Requirements:

• Valid Australian working visa with at least 6 months before expiry from the next intake date
• Student Visa holders (subclass 500) must not be restricted to 48 hours of work per fortnight.

About our recruitment and selection process:

We recruit all year. Successful applicants join our 12-month Recruitment Pool until their preferred intake date.

To apply, we will guide you through each of the five steps (subject to passing each step):

• Online application

• Phone screening

• Medical and psychological assessments (paid by us)

• Reference checks

• Assessment Centre.

All successful applicants complete the same 8-week induction (including night shift-only applicants).

What else do you need to know?

Our residential care homes run 24/7 because young people in care need support around the clock. Shifts rotate, including weekends and public holidays, with varying start/finish times so think about whether shift work suits your lifestyle before applying.

Before you apply, review the:

• Role Description
• Job Demands Sheet
• FAQs

If you still have questions, email us at

About DCP:

The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in the protection of children, young people and their families within South Australia. The department provides support to vulnerable children and young people to be safe, strong and connected.

Our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the LGBTQI+ communities, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

To apply for this role, please click the 'apply' button to be re-directed to the DCP Career Portal

Applications close: 30/06/2026 11:00 PM