Our purpose is to provide safe, culturally appropriate and affordable accommodation for First Nations people who need to be away from home to access medical services, education and economic opportunities.

Across the network of hostels, dedicated Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) staff provide accommodation and meals for residents in a supportive environment, assisted by local First Nations service providers and referral agencies.

AHL also supports the Australian Government’s efforts to improve economic outcomes for First Nations people. By purchasing goods and services from First Nations businesses at every opportunity, we help support a more inclusive economy. We are proud to be one of the largest employers of First Nations people in the Australian Public Service, First Nations employees make up approximately 50% of our workforce.

Our Secondary Education Hostels are dedicated to providing a Home Away from Home for Indigenous Australians (aged 12-18 years) attending partner schools (grades 7 - 12). Our commitment in our student hostels is to ensure that we provide a fair, honest and culturally respectful environment that values each student and their connection to country.

Residential Youth Workers are key in creating a home away from home environment for students residing at Canon Boggo Pilot Hostel, Thursday Island, QLD.

You will support the students during out of school hours, arrange and engage in creative, culturally rich programs and guide the students to build life-long skills and achieve their personal goals.

About the role

As a Residential Youth Worker, you will provide high quality care and support to students and foster an environment where students feel culturally safe while staying at AHL.

Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Help students build and maintain routines that enhance their personal and educational development.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as student applications, appointments and enrolments.
• Engage with school teachers, parents and community members.
• Promote student participation in regular wellbeing and cultural activities.
• Uphold the safety and welfare of students.
• Take the responsibility of being the First Aid Officer and Emergency Warden when on duty.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary: $75,022 - $81,775 pa plus 15.4% superannuation

Employment Type: Ongoing - Full Time (75 hours per fortnight)

Benefits:

• Regular salary packaging options for vehicles, superannuation and laptops etc PLUS, ability to salary sacrifice $15,900 per Fringe Benefit Tax year for rent, mortgage or living expenses. This benefit reduces taxable income, increasing fortnightly take-home pay.
• Generous shift penalties apply for weekends and public holidays. Work pattern for this role is a fulltime role (75 hours/fortnight) which includes 15 hours of 50% Saturday Penalty rates and 15 hours of 100% Sunday penalty rates.
• Induction training, Corporate Induction; Job Specific Orientation, AHL Child Protection Framework Training, AHL Toolbox Talk Training.
• Meals while on duty.
• Paid Leave during School Holidays - 4 weeks Annual Leave plus 6-8 weeks paid Close Down leave during school holiday periods. Note: staff may be asked to work up to 2 weeks in total during the school holidays to undertake training, relief work, and hostel preparation for new term or hostel closedown

The Ideal Person

• People with a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and issues affecting First Nations peoples are well suited to this opportunity.
• You will have a strong interest in community welfare and have qualifications such as a Certificate IV in Community Services or equivalent/higher.
• For further information about the role and how to apply, please visit our website : Work with us | Aboriginal Hostels Limited (ahl.gov.au)

Applications closes: 11:59pm AEDT on Sunday 27 April 2025.