Job opportunity

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 28 April 2026 at 5pm (AWST) using the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/residential-care-worker-information-session-pilbara-west-australia-28426-tickets-1986376687143?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you're unable to attend, and seek further information, please contact Pauline Ostaszewskyj, Assistant Director, (08) 6414 1145 or email HRBPStatewideServices@communities.wa.gov.au for a recording of an information session.

Join the Pilbara Residential Care Team for an experience of a lifetime!
The Pilbara is in the north of Western Australia and spans from the ocean to the desert. The Pilbara offer a family friendly community with an array of services and activities.  Four-wheel drive through the beautiful outback, descend into Karijini National Park's cavernous gorges and crystal-clear waterways, discover wildflowers, enjoy some fishing, set up camp in pristine nature, or experience fine food at local cafes and restaurants.  Discover the major towns of Karratha, Roebourne and Port Hedland for yourself.

Our benefits
In return for your skills, passion and commitment we will offer you 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 receive

• District allowance of $9,299 without dependants, or $18,598 with dependants
• Annual Leave travel concessions (Annual return flight to Perth for you and your dependants after 12 months of continuous service)
• Salary packaging remote benefits
• Subsidised electricity for selected month of the year
• 5 weeks annual leave (includes 1 week of shift work allowance), and 1 week of North West Leave.
• 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 4 weeks training, dates will be confirmed. 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:

1. A current resume/CV that outlines your relevant experience for the role and includes two work related referees.
2. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of relevance of the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
3. An application form (for hard copy applications 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.

• Question 1: 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.

• Question 2(a): How would you ensure traumatised young people would feel welcome and safe in therapeutic residential care?
• Question 2(b): What cultural safety considerations would you apply when working with traumatised young people? (Criteria 1)
• Question 3: 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)
• Question 4: 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 HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au.

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, permanent or casual) 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.

If you have any access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, or alternative methods of communication, please contact HR at HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au. If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

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