Work that actually matters
Being a Youth Worker at Connect CWS means being the steady, reliable presence a young person might remember for the rest of their life. It's not a job you leave at the door. It's a calling.
Why work for us
Are you passionate about creating positive change in the lives of children and young people?
Becoming a Residential Youth Worker with Connect CWS is an incredible opportunity to support vulnerable children and young people, and to help them build brighter futures. Through safe, supportive environments, meaningful relationships, and trauma-informed care, we empower children, young people and employees to thrive.
What does a Residential Youth Worker do?
At Connect CWS, our Residential Youth Workers are the backbone of how we deliver on our mission. This role is as challenging as it is rewarding, offering the chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people through practical support, skill development, mentorship and much more.
Why Connect CWS?
Built for Youth Workers, by Youth Workers
We have walked in your shoes and know how to support both Youth Workers and our broader workforce, and show up for you when times get tough.
The right tools
We empower you with the right frameworks, strategies and trauma-informed practices, tools and techniques to appropriately support our children and young people.
We don't give up
We genuinely care about our children and young people, and don't give up when others might.
Values we live every day
We're also not afraid to challenge industry norms, and to live through our Values every day.
What we look for
We're looking for people who bring patience, consistency and genuine care, not necessarily a string of qualifications. We'll train you. What you need to bring is the heart.
Patience & resilience
Young people who've been hurt take time to trust. You need to be someone who stays steady even when things are hard.
Consistency
Showing up every shift, on time, as promised, is the most important thing you can do. Our young people count on it.
Genuine curiosity
Real interest in the young people you work with, their lives, interests, and goals, is what builds real connection.
Emotional intelligence
Understanding what's behind behaviour, not just reacting to it, is the skill that defines great youth work.
The values that guide us
How we behave, operate and interact with each other, with children and young people, and with the broader community.
| Letter | Value | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Community & Person Centric | We have the person and community at the forefront of every decision and action. | |
| Opportunity | We seek and explore opportunities for the betterment of ourselves and others. | |
| Mentorship | We provide guidance, direction and support, share knowledge and connections, and foster skill development, to empower others to achieve their potential. | |
| Empathy & Compassion | We apply a curious mindset to understanding the needs, viewpoints and lives of others, and apply that to help alleviate issues, distress, and achieve calm and stable outcomes. | |
| Belonging | We welcome diverse perspectives, and foster environments where everyone feels comfortable and empowered to be their authentic selves and feel accepted, valued and comfortable. | |
| Accountability | We take accountability for our behaviour and results, and deliver on expectations in the right way at the right time. | |
| Character & Courage | Integrity, respect and courage are the cornerstones of how we show up every day for ourselves and each other. | |
| Kinship & Culture | We hold kinship and culture in the highest regard, supporting cultural safety and the social bonds and relationships formed and sustained through shared cultural practices, beliefs and heritage. |
A day in the life
Morning shift
Helping the household get up and out: breakfast, school prep, a calm start to the day.
Afternoon shift
School pick-up, homework support, after-school activities, and connecting over what happened that day.
Evening shift
Dinner, winding down, managing any challenges, and making sure everyone feels settled and safe.
Overnight shift
Providing that quiet, steady presence through the night for young people who need to know someone's there.
What we offer you
- ✓Flexible shifts that work around your life
- ✓Trauma-informed training and ongoing mentoring
- ✓A genuinely supportive team culture
- ✓Meaningful, local work that actually matters
- ✓Clear pathways for career development in youth work
We're always looking for great Youth Workers
We don't always have a fixed list of open positions, we're building our team year-round. If you've got the heart for this work, we want to hear from you.
Day & Afternoon Shift Youth Workers
Supporting mornings, school runs, homework and after-school routines.
Overnight Youth Workers
Providing a calm, steady presence through the night in our homes.
Casual & Relief Youth Workers
Flexible shifts for people who want to build experience in youth work.
How to apply
Get in touch
Email us or send an expression of interest. Tell us a bit about yourself and why you want to work in youth support.
Informal chat
A quick conversation with our team lead, relaxed, no pressure. Just getting to know each other.
Formal interview
We'll go a little deeper into your experience, values, and how you'd handle different scenarios.
Checks
Reference checks, WWCC, and any required clearances. We'll guide you through everything you need.
Training & induction
Trauma-informed training, a full induction and shadowing shifts before you fly solo.
Email hello@connectcws.com.au with your expression of interest.
Not sure if it's the right fit?
We're happy to talk through anything, no pressure, no commitment. Reach out and we'll answer every question you have.