ac.care is inviting people from across the Limestone Coast to learn more about a career as a child and youth worker, helping create safe, supportive home environments where young people can build confidence, strengthen relationships and stay connected to their community.
Child and youth workers play an important role in ac.care’s Residential Care program, supporting young people who are unable to live with their family, kin or foster carers for a period of time.
Through everyday moments such as sharing a meal, supporting school routines, encouraging new skills and building positive relationships, they help create stability, connection and a sense of belonging.
Out of Home Care Executive Manager Shalini McCarthy said many people underestimate how valuable their existing life experience can be.
“We’re looking for people who are caring, reliable, respectful and willing to learn,” Ms McCarthy said. “Child and youth workers come from many different backgrounds and stages of life. What they often have in common is a genuine interest in supporting young people and helping create positive, everyday experiences.”
While experience in the sector can be beneficial, previous youth work experience is not essential. ac.care provides training, supervision and ongoing support to help people develop the skills and confidence needed for the role.
“Sometimes people assume they need to have all the answers before applying,” Ms McCarthy said.
“The reality is that we’re looking for people with the right values. We provide training, supervision and ongoing support to help people succeed in the role.”
Child and youth workers also benefit from paid training, career development opportunities and flexible shift-based work arrangements.
ac.care is hosting free information sessions on Wednesday, August 5 at 10am and 6pm at the ac.care Head Office, located upstairs at 5 Percy Street, Mount Gambier.
“These sessions are a great opportunity to meet our team, ask questions and hear firsthand about becoming a child and youth worker,” Ms McCarthy said.
“If you’re looking for meaningful work and want to learn more about the role, we’d love to meet you.”
