Youth Worker

Bring your experience, build lasting relationships and become part of a community where your commitment matters.
Exclusive to RWR Health, we're partnering with Red Centre Support Services to recruit approximately 10 permanent Youth Workers for residential care services in Mount Isa, Queensland.
We're looking for people who will make the move, get involved in community life and provide consistent care. This is not a FIFO role or a fixed-term opportunity. We are looking for people who are committed to staying, building meaningful relationships and settling into both the work and the community.

The service and the young people
Red Centre provides 24/7 residential care for 26 children and young people aged 2–17 who have experienced complex trauma and require safety, stability and consistent adult support.

The service operates across nine residential houses, each accommodating up to four young people, depending on their individual circumstances and complexity of needs. Each house has a dedicated Team Leader, with most coming from teaching or youth work backgrounds.

The young people are predominantly from the Mount Isa community, and their whānau and families remain involved in their lives. Building and maintaining positive family relationships is a crucial part of the work. You'll need to understand the importance of family connection, work respectfully alongside whānau and recognise that supporting a young person also means recognising the wider relationships and community around them.

The young people have a range of complex backgrounds and support needs, which may include experiences of neglect, domestic and family violence, and sexual violence. Some also have additional learning and developmental needs, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developmental delays.
Challenging behaviours can be part of the day-to-day environment. You'll need to be confident, patient and emotionally resilient, with the ability to recognise triggers, respond appropriately to escalation and maintain a safe, consistent and supportive environment.

Much of the work happens through everyday life: preparing meals, supporting routines, attending appointments, encouraging positive activities and helping young people develop trust and confidence.

Culturally respectful care is central to the role. Many of the young people are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, so you'll need to listen, learn and recognise the importance of identity, family, kinship, community and connection to Country.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building trusting relationships and providing consistent, trauma-informed care.
• Supporting daily routines, activities, appointments and individual care plans.
• Helping children and young people develop practical skills, confidence and independence.
• Building positive relationships with families and whānau and recognising their importance in each young person's life.
• Recognising triggers and responding proactively to distress, complex needs and challenging behaviours.
• Managing behavioural escalation while maintaining safety, appropriate boundaries and a calm approach.
• Following individual safety plans, responding to incidents and maintaining accurate records.
• Working alongside your Team Leader, colleagues and other services to support each young person's wellbeing.

What you'll bring
We're keen to hear from people with experience supporting young people in residential care, community services, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, youth justice or related settings.

Relevant qualifications may include Youth Work, Community Services, Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Social Work, Counselling or Psychology. New Zealand qualifications will need to be assessed for recognition, and we'll help clarify whether your training meets the requirements.
You'll also need:

• An understanding of trauma-informed care, child safety and professional boundaries.
• Confidence supporting children and young people with complex trauma, developmental needs and challenging behaviours.
• The emotional resilience and sound judgement to manage difficult situations, including behavioural escalation.
• Strong relationship-building skills and an appreciation of the importance of family and whānau involvement.
• Cultural awareness and a willingness to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culture and connection to Country.
• A current, valid driver's licence.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain these before starting.
• The ability to meet Queensland's Blue Card, screening and mandatory training requirements.
• NZ Citizenship (or Australian work rights).

The service operates around the clock, so flexibility across days, evenings, overnight shifts, sleepovers, weekends and public holidays is essential.

Life in Mount Isa
Mount Isa is a remote, rural mining town in outback Queensland. While it has everything you need for day-to-day living, including supermarkets, shops, healthcare services, schools, sporting facilities, community groups, restaurants and local amenities, it's important to understand that this is a very different lifestyle from living in a major city.

The town has a strong mining and regional community feel, and getting involved in local sport, volunteering or community activities can be a great way to meet people and establish yourself.

The climate is another important consideration. Summers in Mount Isa are extremely hot, with temperatures regularly reaching very high levels. You'll need to be comfortable living and working in significant heat and prepared for the demands of an outback Queensland climate.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are opportunities for fishing, picnics at Lake Moondarra, local sporting activities and exploring the wider region.

This opportunity will suit someone who is genuinely open to a rural lifestyle, enjoys being part of a close-knit community and is prepared to make a longer-term commitment to both the role and the area.

Pay and support for your move

On offer is:

• Flights to support your relocation
• Three months' free accommodation
• Access to a shared vehicle at the accommodation
• Assistance finding a rental as you get established
• Supported induction including cultural training and supervised buddy shifts
• Opportunities to develop towards team leadership or management
• Meaningful work supporting vulnerable young people
• Permanent, full-time employment with fortnightly pay. This could range from $97,136 - $148,075 (base rate per annum) + 12% Super and will be confirmed based on the applicable award classification and pay point based on your qualifications and experience.
• Shift penalties and allowances, including sleepovers are on top

For a confidential discussion or to apply, contact:
Chloe Finucane
Principal Consultant – South Island
�� 0290 235 3292
✉️ chloef@rwrhealth.co.nz