Youth Residential Support Worker

About Us

Outcare is a leading provider of services across the justice, child protection and family support systems in Western Australia.

Outcare is part of PeopleKind Group, parent company to a diverse and growing group of for purpose organisations that deliver services encompassing disability, housing, allied health, justice, child protection and reintegration.

We support people experiencing mental health issues, family and domestic violence, the impacts of trauma and intergenerational disadvantage, vulnerable housing and a range of other complex issues. Outcare particularly focuses on these issues across the justice and child protection systems either through working to address the factors leading people into these systems, diverting them from entering or assisting them when they are in.

At Outcare we are committed to working alongside some of the most vulnerable West Australians and do this with a strong sense of focus, commitment and respect. Outcare is embarking on a period of organisational transformation through its recently launched Outcare 2028 project. This project will see significant changes across key priority areas positioning Outcare for sustained success into the future.

The Program:

Outcare provides residential care for youth who are under the guardianship of DCFS. We provide 24/7 support to youth who have trauma-based behaviours or are at-risk of engaging with the justice system. Depending on the complexity of the young person's needs, the staff to client ratios vary from either 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1.

The program strives to empower young people to reach their potential, along with providing vital life skills. Our services are person-centred and have a non-judgemental, therapeutic approach.

The Role:

We are looking for motivated candidates who are ready to take on an exciting new opportunity. Here's what you can expect:

The line 3 roster consists of sleep shifts only from 6pm at night to 8am the next day. Staff are provided with a private room and bed to sleep in, with the awake component of the shift from 6pm-10pm and 6am-8am and the sleep component of the shift from 10pm to 6am. The roster is a 54-hour fortnight with the first week consisting of Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and the second week consisting of Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. This is a set Roster and staff are expected to work the designated shifts.

Induction: Begin your journey with a comprehensive induction You'll be fully supported as you learn the ropes and get to know the team- Attendance is mandatory.

TCI (Training and Certification Induction): Gain the skills and knowledge you need to excel with our specialised training sessions, designed to set you up for success -Attendance is mandatory.

Buddy Shifts: After training, you will have the opportunity to work alongside a mentor during your buddy shifts, gaining hands-on experience and personalised guidance as you settle into your role.

What's in it for you?

This position works proactively within a care team to provide person-centred support to youth needing a safe place to call home and to bring some continuity into their life. Care plans are developed and continuously improved on as we learn more about each young person and gain a clearer understanding of their needs through well documented daily events and working closely with stake holders and each other.

Ideal team members display resilience, willingness to accept and learn from others, the ability to build strong rapport, role modelling, great communication and report writing skills, and solution focused.

Your day at work will involve mentoring in all aspects in the life of another person, including but not limited to personal hygiene, healthy lifestyle, and daily household duties. This may not always go to plan - you will need to be adaptable at redirecting and negotiating but always kind and clear.

Do you have the studies, the passion but not the practical experience? We still want to hear from you to discuss how our induction, training and ongoing support will provide you with what you need. If you bring the values and the passion, we will provide the experience.

To be successful for this position, you will ideally have:

An understanding of the rights of youth in care

An understanding of the standards for children and youth in care

A Certificate IV in Community Services/Disability Services/Mental Health or relevant/substantial equivalent experience

Demonstrated experience supporting in a challenging environment

Ability to navigate and mitigate high risk behaviours and situations

Ability to communicate at all levels along with the knowledge and understanding of working with people from disadvantaged and diverse cultural backgrounds

Prior relevant experience and understanding of the challenges that youth with a background of trauma may face

Clear understanding of working in a person-centred manner whilst being culturally appropriate

Computer literate in Microsoft Word at a minimum

Report writing skills

In addition, you would need to have (or willing to obtain):

Current full WA Driver's Licence

NDIS Worker Screening Check and Modules

Current WA Working with Children's Check

Provide First Aid HLTAID003

Current Australian working rights

If successful, willing to undergo a 395-clearance check and medical screening

*Employment will be subject to obtaining and maintaining security clearance by the Government of Western Australia, Department of Communities, Department of Justice.

In return, we offer:

Salary packaging of up to $15,900 for general living expenses and an additional $2,650 for entertainment benefits per annum

A work vehicle when on shift

Career progression opportunities

Free, confidential counselling service

Working with a great team of like-minded people

Ongoing training and support to give you the skills to make a bigger difference in peoples' lives

Want to know more about us?

Outcare's Youth Residential Program provides out of home care to youth in need of a safe place to call home, helping youth understand their emotions and behaviours so they may engage with society in a positive, contributing manner. Our purpose is to empower people to live their best life.

For more information please visit: 

How to apply:

Prepare a brief cover letter outlining how you meet each of the above criteria and attach a detailed resume.

*Please note, we may proceed to interview prior to applications closing*