Youth Worker - Townsville

 Make a Real Difference, Every Shift
Some young people need more than day-to-day support. They need experienced professionals who can remain calm in challenging situations, build trust through consistency, and provide the stability that helps change lives.

As a Youth worker with Kanda, you'll support young people with highly complex needs through therapeutic, trauma-informed care that helps them feel safe, develop independence, and work towards positive long-term outcomes. You'll support young people who may be transitioning from youth detention, experiencing placement instability, or living with the impacts of complex trauma, requiring resilience, sound judgement, and confidence when responding to challenging behaviours.

Working as part of a skilled and supportive team, you'll use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help young people build meaningful relationships, strengthen life skills, and create pathways towards a brighter future. 

What you'll be doing:

You'll provide trauma-informed, person-centred support to young people by:

• Building trusting, consistent relationships that provide stability, guidance and emotional support
• Creating safe, therapeutic environments where young people can build confidence and independence
• Supporting daily routines, self-care and practical life skills while encouraging greater independence
• Helping young people reconnect with education, therapeutic supports and their community through tailored support plans
• Responding confidently to crises, using therapeutic approaches to de-escalate situations and keep young people safe
• Working alongside internal specialists and external stakeholders, including the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, to deliver coordinated, individualised support

You're the right person if you...

• Have experience in Youth Work, Residential Care, Child Protection, Mental Health or a similar role supporting people with complex needs
• Build trust through consistency, empathy and professional boundaries
• Stay calm under pressure and use sound judgement in challenging situations
• Work collaboratively with your team and other professionals to achieve the best outcomes for young people

You'll also have:

• A current driver's licence (minimum P2).
• A Working with Children Blue Card and NDIS Worker Screening Check (or willingness to obtain).
• Current First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
• A completed, or enrolled in, a Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services, Youth Work, Social Work or a related field.

Why Kanda?

At Kanda, you'll be supported from day one. From paid induction, supported shadow shifts, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and The Sanctuary Model training to experienced local leadership, 24/7 on-call support and wellbeing initiatives, we'll equip you with the tools and skills you need to succeed.

You'll also enjoy rates starting from $40.49per hour, flexible casual and PPT opportunities and a company vehicle provided during shifts. As Kanda continues to grow, you'll have genuine opportunities to build a rewarding long-term career while being recognised for the difference you make.
If you're an experienced Youth Worker looking for meaningful work where your experience, judgement and compassion can make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Want to chat about this role? 

Reach out to Emma McGill – Talent Acquisition Specialist on 07 2146 2*** or email ****@kandacare.com.au 
 
Kanda is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. 
 
We’re dedicated to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and comfortable to be themselves. At Kanda, every voice matters, every culture is valued, and we believe that diverse perspectives aren’t just welcome — they’re essential to who we are and what we do.