Youth Worker - Newcastle

About the organisation

Lumiere Foundation is a not-for-profit group that supports people facing disadvantage, trauma, and complex life situations. The organisation works alongside community service providers to place experienced staff into disability and out-of-home care settings, with the aim of helping young people remain safe, supported, and connected.

Everyone across the organisation contributes to delivering dependable, high-quality care, whether they work directly with young people or support services in the background. The role is part of a team focused on creating lasting positive impact and a better future.

About the role

This position is for an experienced Youth Worker to support children and young people in out-of-home care through a partner organisation. You will be employed by Lumiere Foundation and placed onsite in residential care services operated by Interactive Community Care.

The role focuses on helping young people strengthen practical life skills, confidence, and resilience while maintaining a safe, structured, and caring environment.

What the job offers

• Casual shift work that lets you choose shifts that fit your lifestyle.
• Starting casual pay of $48.31 per hour, which includes a 25% loading, plus penalty rates in line with the SCHADS award.
• Access to salary packaging of up to $15,900 before tax each year.
• Ability to reduce everyday expenses with up to $2,650 pre-tax for meals, entertainment, and holiday accommodation.
• Free confidential counselling support for you and your family through an Employee Assistance Program.
• A supportive, trauma-informed team environment centred on safe and high-quality care for young people.
• Learning and development opportunities, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training.
• A workplace committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunity.
• After-hours help from a dedicated on-call team.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program.

Key duties

• Deliver daily care and supervision in a residential setting so young people remain safe and supported at all times.
• Help young people develop independent living skills, steady routines, and healthy social communication.
• Carry out individual care plans tailored to each young person’s needs, strengths, and goals.
• Keep detailed notes, records, and incident reports in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Encourage involvement in recreational and community-based activities that strengthen confidence and everyday skills.
• Provide emotional support and respond appropriately in behavioural or crisis situations.

What you need to bring

• A Diploma in Youth Work, Community Services, Child, Youth and Family Intervention, or a related qualification.
• Previous experience working with young people in residential out-of-home care or a comparable care setting.
• Solid knowledge of trauma-informed practice and the needs of young people in residential environments.
• Strong written communication skills and English proficiency for case notes, reports, and professional verbal communication.
• The ability to build rapport, communicate calmly, and demonstrate positive behaviour that supports independence.
• Confidence working both independently and as part of a fast-paced, dynamic team.
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training or a similar qualification is highly desirable.

Essential conditions

• Unrestricted Australian working rights.
• A National Crime Check, or the willingness to obtain one.
• A valid NSW Working with Children Check.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain it.
• A current Australian driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle with comprehensive insurance.
• Availability across a rotating fortnightly roster, including day, evening, sleepover, and weekend shifts.

Additional information

If you would like more details about this position, you can contact the Lumiere Foundation recruitment team at recruitment@lumierefoundation.org.au.