Karakan is a leading and well-established provider of psychosocial services with a long and rich history of working with people whose lives have been impacted by mental health challenges. We strive to make a positive impact in lives of people we support as we promote and support inclusion, connection and building resilience in individual lives through our recovery-oriented and trauma-informed services.

Our leadership and approach to service and support is continually guided by the belief "YOU CAN. WE CAN.” This speaks to the strength and importance of each individual as well as the power of the collective as we work together to build an inclusive community.

Karakan is providing a tailored and innovative recovery-oriented residential service for young people with complex mental health needs requiring Out of Home Care (OOHC) support. We are looking for skilled Youth Wellbeing Workers to support this service.

Make a real difference in the lives of young people

At Karakan, we believe that every young person deserves safety, connection, and hope for the future. We are seeking passionate and committed Youth Wellbeing Workers (previously known as Youth Support Workers) to join our YouthKan Transitional Out-of-Home Care Program, which supports young people aged 10–17 who are experiencing placement instability or are in high-risk situations.

About the Role

As a Youth Wellbeing Worker, you will play a vital role in delivering trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care that helps young people stabilise, heal, and grow. You will:

Provide safe, consistent, and supportive daily care for young people.

Build strong, trusting relationships that foster emotional regulation, resilience, and self-worth.

Support young people in engaging with education, developing life skills, exploring cultural identity, and participating in community activities.

Work collaboratively with families, communities, and multidisciplinary teams, including OTs, and therapeutic services.

Implement wellbeing plans, monitor progress, and respond effectively to crisis situations.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking people who are:

Compassionate, reliable, and committed to trauma-informed, strengths-based care.

Be a role model and demonstrate positive attributes that allow young people to learn and feel safe, which reduces their vulnerability and builds resilience.

Skilled at engaging young people in ways that respect their voice, culture, and identity.

Confident in managing challenging behaviours through positive behaviour support.

Team players who value reflective practice, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Available for a 24/7 roster including sleepovers, weekends, and public holidays.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum of a relevant certificate IV Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Mental Health or Youth Work qualification (or working towards)

Current Blue Card (Working with Children Check).

First Aid and CPR (or willingness to obtain).

Valid Driver’s Licence.

Strong cultural awareness, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Why Join Us?

Be part of an innovative program, leading best practice, in youth residential care.

Work in a supportive environment with regular supervision, reflective practice, and ongoing training.

Help young people achieve meaningful change in their journey toward stability and independence.

Access salary packaging and employee wellbeing initiatives.

Together, we can create stronger, safer, and healthier futures for young people.

Karakan is a supportive employer that invests in the growth and professional development of its people. We are seeking the right person with a growth mindset who wants to continue their professional growth and make a meaningful social impact.

If this position interests you, please respond to the following selection criteria:-

Demonstrated experience as a member of a service team to achieve intentional outcomes for young people

Demonstrated experience working with young people from complex/trauma backgrounds in an Out-of-Home care residential service environment

A minimum of one year of experience in a similar role.

Availability to work rotational shifts

If this sounds like you, we look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for your interest in joining the Karakan team and mission. Applications for this position will be reviewed as they are received. If you would like a copy of the position description, please reach out to [email protected]