Therapeutic Residential Care Worker

Make a difference in the lives of children who need it most.

We need you!

Fixed term and permanent employees receive 17.5% annual leave loading.

Casuals receive an additional 25% loading allowance on top of the base salary $79,604 - $85,350 pa pro rata and penalty rates may apply.

We are seeking employees who have genuine care and compassion for others, and who can work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary team to meet the needs and best interests of the child.  Those who are resilient, patient, calm, have a non-judgmental attitude and recognise and respect cultural differences.  People that can teach life skills and engage children positively in recreational skills. Those that can exhibit strong communication skills, quickly adapt to changing needs, and can understand and practice self-care.

Your Role. Your Impact.

Step into the world of Residential Care, where your work is more than just a job.

You will be embraced by a supportive team who are very welcoming. The team are willing to empower you and share their experience for you to thrive, whilst being reflective in its practice to achieve the best outcomes for the children in care.

The vision for Therapeutic Residential Care in Western Australia is to provide a safe and stable home for young people that enables them to heal, connect, learn, and be prepared for their adult lives.

Want to make a difference? You will!

As a Therapeutic Residential Care Worker, you will be responsible for working as a member of a team to achieve best outcomes for children and young people and providing group and individual therapeutic residential care to children and young people. You will assist in planning, developing and implementing activities for children and young people. Refer to the attached Job Description Form for further information.

You will be required to work a rotating roster of morning, afternoon and awake night shifts from Monday to Sunday to support the children in care in a 24/7 service.

Your work is guided by the Sanctuary Model to ensure the consistent delivery of trauma informed care to young people in Therapeutic Residential Care, which includes the Seven Commitments for creating safe environments. (see attached)

We believe all our people are leaders, regardless of their role. Our Leadership Expectations, outlined in Building Leadership Impact, describe the behaviours and mindsets we value. The leadership context for this position is Personal Leadership.

Click the video below to see what it's like working at Communities!

A Day in the Life of a Residential Care Worker in South Hedland - YouTube

Join an online Information Session

You will hear from our leaders about Therapeutic Residential Care, the role, their experiences and career progression working with Department of Communities.  A HR Business Partner will provide information about the Department and employment benefits. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Register your attendance for Tuesday, 18 August 2026 at 5pm (AWST), using the link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/residential-care-worker-information-session-geraldton-wa-18826-tickets-1996772172319?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you are unable to attend, and seek further information, please contact Michelle Platt, Assistant Director on (08)  •••• •783 or email HRBPStatewideServices@communities.wa.gov.au for a recording of an information session.

Working and Living in the Mid West

The Mid West of Western Australia spans from the Indian Ocean coastline inland to the Gibson Desert.  Your outdoor adventure includes exploring wildflowers, beach swimming, discovering the Abrolhos Islands, taking in Kalbarri National Park’s red and white sandstone gorges and tasting terrific fresh local produce. Discover the major town of Geraldton for yourself.

Why Work with Us?

Communities offers a range of benefits.  Communities is a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program

Based on eligibility, and location, you could be paid

• district allowance of $1,239 without dependants, or $2478 with dependants.
• 5 weeks annual leave (includes 1 week of shift work allowance)
• 10 days for public holidays
• Three days public service holidays per annum

Read more about the benefits of working with us.

If you’re looking for more than just a job and ready to make a difference, apply now!

As part of the selection process, applicants will be assessed on their ability to meet the following suitability requirement:

• Organisational: attend paid mandatory training (4 weeks, dates to be confirmed)
• Pre Employment: complete a medical and physical functional capacity examination.
• Pre-employment: WA Driver’s license.

Please consider these before applying.

How to Apply – It’s Easy

Click the ‘Apply for Job’ button and provide documents in Word or PDF format only:

1. A current resume/CV that outlines your relevant experience for the role and includes two work related referees.
2. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of relevance of the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
3. An application form (for hard copy applications only).

You will be prompted to answer the following online questions in your own words (not AI generated responses) for Questions 2, 3 & 4. Your responses form part of your application assessment.

• Q1 Do you hold a current West Australian 'C' or 'C-A' class Licence, or equivalent?

If selected for an interview please note that for each of the below questions you may be required to provide the name, organisation and email address of the manager/supervisor who can verify your example.

• Q2 (a) How would you ensure traumatised children and young people would feel welcome and safe in therapeutic residential care?
• Q2 (b) What considerations would you apply when working with
• traumatised children and young people of Aboriginal or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds? (Criteria 1)
• Q3 Provide an example how you have worked with children and young people to help them build on life skills and develop recreational activities to enhance self-worth. (Criteria 2)
• Q4 What values and skills do you have that you bring to a team, and provide an example to demonstrate working in a team? (Criteria 3)

Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the Work-Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) during the selection process.

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au.

Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments will be made for this or similar future vacancies (permanent, fixed term or casual) that arise within the next 12 months across the Department of Communities.

Equality and Diversity

The Department of Communities is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  As a measure to achieve equality and support, section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position.  Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

If you have any access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, or alternative methods of communication, please contact HR at ••••@communities.wa.gov.au. If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 •4 64.

Integrity and Honesty

In line with Communities policies, applicants may be asked for consent to undergo criminal record screening and integrity checks during the application process. To read more, click here.  

Privacy Notice

Personal information is collected and managed in accordance with the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (PRIS Act). By submitting your application, you acknowledge the collection of your personal information. For further details on how your information is handled, please view our Privacy Policy.

Please note: This recruitment process may be closed or withdrawn at any stage. Applicants will be notified if this occurs.

Want to join us?

Visit the main advertisement on the WA Government Jobs Board by clicking the Apply button or visit https://search.jobs.wa.gov.au/ and search Pool Ref COM14926. Here you will find the Job Description Form (JDF) and application requirements. We look forward to receiving your application!

Closing date

Applications close 4pm Wednesday, 26 August 2026 (AWST).

Lodgement is system generated. Any emailed applications or late submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted.