Therapeutic Residential Care Worker

Division: Child Protection and Family Support

Position No: Pool Ref COM1226

Salary: Level 2, $99,985 - $107,203 pa (includes 30% commuted allowance) pro rata + Super - PSCSAA 2024

Work Type: Fixed Term - Full Time, Fixed Term - Part Time, Permanent - Full Time, Permanent - Part Time, Casual

Location: Kalgoorlie

Closing Date: 2026-02-05 4:00 PM (YYYY-MM-DD)

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 $76,912 - $82,464 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.

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.

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

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

Join an online Information Session

You will hear from our leaders about 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, 27 January 2026 at 5pm (AWST) using the URL:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/residential-care-worker-information-session-kalgoorlie-27126-tickets-1980695636969?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you are unable to attend, and seek further information, please contact Michelle Platt , A/ Assistant Director , on 0435 924 508 or email HRBPStatewideServices@communities.wa.gov.au for a recording of an information session.

Join the Kalgoorlie Residential Care Team for an experience of a lifetime!

Kalgoorlie is a historic mining city located in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia. It's renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant heritage, its strong community spirit, and annual events. The region is home to outback adventures waiting to be discovered. Discover Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields for yourself.

Our benefits

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 $2,354 without dependants, $4,708 with dependants (Kalgoorlie/Boulder)
• district allowance of $2,734 without dependants, $5,468 with dependants (Kambalda)
• 5 weeks annual leave (includes 1 week of shift work allowance)
• 10 days for public holidays
• Three days public service holidays per annum

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

• Successful applicants will be required to complete a medical and physical functional capacity examination and attend mandatory training from 04/03/26 to 20/03/2026. Please consider this before applying, as these are requirements of the role.

Click the ‘Apply for Job’ button and provide documents in Word or PDF format 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 young people would feel welcome and safe in therapeutic residential care?
• Q2 (b) What cultural safety considerations would you apply when working with traumatised young people? (Criteria 1)
• Q3 Provide an example how you have worked with 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)

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Ashik Ahmed, HR Advisor, via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or call on 0468 624 181. Please provide Job Tittle & Position Number in the subject line as reference.

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

Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments will be made for this or similar future vacancies (fixed term or permanent) 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.

Please let us know if there are adjustments we can make to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, as well as in the workplace. Please contact Ashik Ahmed, HR Advisor, via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or call on 0468 624 181. Please provide Job Tittle & Position Number in the subject line as reference.

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

Attachments:

• Application Form
• Information for Applicants