Do you want a role where every day can inspire a young life?
Do you want to earn while you learn, with paid training and a formal qualification?
As a Child & Youth Worker, you’ll be strengthening your own community by:
- guiding, supporting and empowering young people in care
- keeping them safe
- helping them gain life skills
- giving them hope for the future.
Why work in the Spencer Gulf?
If you’re not already a local of Port Pirie, Port Augusta or Whyalla, then get set to be impressed!
These seaside towns boast large populations and all the conveniences and facilities expected from a modern city. Our Spencer Gulf region lands you in the heart of seaside escapades, desert quests, and the magnificent mountains of the Flinders Rangers.
Living and working here means:
- Making a difference for local children and young people in your own backyard
- Enjoying an affordable lifestyle with short commutes, great schools, and vibrant community events
- Being part of a supportive team who know and care about the region.
You can find out a whole lot more about the benefits of relocating to of Port Pirie, Port Augusta or Whyalla on our website: https://bit.ly/Regional-DCP.
About the Role:
Our mission is simple: every young person deserves safety, stability, and the chance to reach their potential.
As a Child & Youth Worker, compassion, patience, and a good sense of humour go a long way. You will be:
- Helping with day-to-day routines – meals, homework, school drop-offs, and activities
- Creating moments of fun and connection through sport, hobbies, and community events
- Offering trauma-informed care and a calm presence when challenges arise
- Keeping everyone safe, supported, and included
- Encouraging the skills young people need to build confidence and thrive in the community.
Benefits of working with DCP:
Get more than just a pay cheque. We value our staff and offer:
- Real impact: make a lasting difference in young lives
- Paid training: we’ll pay you to complete the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention while you work, plus provide on-the-job mentoring
- Leave & entitlements: up to 5 weeks annual leave (for full-time employees), 12% superannuation, and shift penalties
- Recognition: our annual DCP Recognition Awards recognises staff excellence
- Room to grow: ongoing training and career development opportunities
- Support: free counselling for you and your family through our Employee Assistance Program.
- Self-care: Access over 1,700 gyms, fitness centres and pools across Australia through our Fitness Passport program for you and your family.
About You:
You don’t need to be perfect – you just need to care, listen, and be willing to learn.
You’re someone who can:
- Stay calm when things get tricky
- Build trust with young people quickly
- Keep boundaries while showing empathy
- Adapt to days that never look the same.
Essential Requirements:
- SA Driver’s Licence (P2 or above)
- SA Working with Children Check
- First Aid Certificate – HLTAID012 (Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting)
- Ability to complete an 8-week, full-time induction program
- Availability to work AM, PM, night shifts, weekends, and public holidays
Night shift-only rosters (full-time, part-time, or casual) are available. Just let us know your preference in your application.
Desirable attributes
Life experience and the right attitude matter a lot, but it’s a plus if you also have some experience or transferable skills from areas such as:
- Childcare
- Education
- Disability support
- Aged care
- Youth work
- Community services.
Visa Requirements:
- Valid Australian working visa with at least 6 months before expiry from the next intake date
- Student Visa holders (subclass 500) must not be restricted to 48 hours of work per fortnight.
About our recruitment and selection process:
We recruit all year. Successful applicants join our 12-month Recruitment Pool until their preferred intake date.
To apply, we will guide you through each of the five steps (subject to passing each step):
- Online application
- Phone screening
- Medical and psychological assessments (paid by us)
- Reference checks
- Assessment Centre.
All successful applicants complete the same 8-week induction (including night shift-only applicants).
What else do you need to know?
Our residential care homes run 24/7 because young people in care need support around the clock. Shifts rotate, including weekends and public holidays, with varying start/finish times so think about whether shift work suits your lifestyle before applying.
Being a Child and Youth Worker is more than a job. Whether you live in Port Pirie, Port Augusta or Whyalla, if you’re ready to make a real difference we’d love to hear from you.
Before you apply, review the:
- Role Description
- Job Demands Sheet
- FAQs
If you still have questions, email us at DCPRecruitment@sa.gov.au.