Jo’s is an innovative and unique residential service in South Australia, providing a home for young people who are unable to live with their families due to child protection concerns.
Jo’s is more than accommodation — it is a stable, nurturing home environment where young people are supported to heal from trauma, build meaningful connections, and develop the life skills they need to transition into adulthood.
We are seeking Therapeutic Youth Workers who understand that residential care is not a typical shift-based role - it is a 24/7 home environment that relies on consistency, responsibility, and strong life skills. The role could be based in Golden Grove or Hillbank as we have multiple roles.
About the Role
This is a hands-on, home-based role. You will be actively involved in creating a safe, structured and well-managed household where young people can thrive.
Key responsibilities include:
- Building authentic, therapeutic relationships with young people to support their identity, growth and development
- Supporting daily living routines including cooking, cleaning, nutrition, hygiene, school engagement, appointments and extracurricular activities
- Maintaining a well-organised, safe and welcoming home environment
- Role modelling positive life skills, respectful communication and healthy relationships
- Providing crisis intervention, co-regulation and support during complex behavioural presentations
- Contributing to household structure, routines and shared responsibilities
This role operates on a 24/7 roster, including passive nights, sleepovers, weekends and public holidays. Reliability and flexibility are essential.
What We’re Looking For
This role suits individuals who are:
- Comfortable working in a home environment and taking shared responsibility for its day-to-day management
- Organised, proactive and capable of maintaining routines and structure
- Emotionally regulated and able to respond calmly during crisis situations
- Consistent, dependable and committed to roster requirements
- Confident in modelling independent living skills such as cooking, budgeting and maintaining a household
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor Degree or Certificate IV in Social Services (Social Work, Social Science, Youth Work or related discipline)
- Students currently studying Community Services are encouraged to apply
- Availability to work across a 24/7 rotating roster including sleepovers
- Experience working with young people with complex behaviour presentations
- Experience managing conflict and crisis
- Full, unrestricted Australian Driver’s Licence
Please note: A partially completed university degree meets the minimum qualification requirements.
This is an excellent opportunity to build your career in therapeutic residential care while completing your studies.
About Us
Uniting Communities is a leading, inclusive not-for profit community services organisation working alongside more than 80,000 South Australians each year to reduce inequality, improve wellbeing, overcome disadvantage and support people to live the best lives they can. We value diversity and are committed to providing respectful, accessible services.
Why Work For Us?
In addition to your salary you can package up to $15,900 per year pre tax and additionally a $2,650 Meals and Entertainment card.
How could working for a Not-For-Profit impact your take home pay? Visit our salary packaging provider for details - Access Pay
Paid Maternity Leave
Early Intervention Physio Program
Discounted Private Health Insurance
What Next?
Please attach a cover letter addressing your motivation in applying and a current resume.
Please note that we review applications on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.
All staff are required to work within our code of conduct and undergo relevant pre-employment checks.
Uniting Communities is an equal opportunity employer committed to a safe, inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
