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 $79,604 - $85,350 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.

You will be required to work a rotating roster of morning, afternoon and awake night shifts from Monday to Sunday to support the children in care in a 24/7 service.

Your work is guided by the Sanctuary Model to ensure the consistent delivery of trauma informed care to young people in Therapeutic 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!



If this video isn’t playing for you, click here to watch it on YouTube.

Join an online Information Session
You will hear from our leaders about Therapeutic 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 the session held on Thursday 25 June 2026 at 5pm (AWST) using the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/residential-care-worker-information-session-geraldton-25526-tickets-1991437527252?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you’re unable to attend and you seek further information, please contact Michelle Platt, Assistant Director, on (08) 6215 1783. If you would like a recording of the information session, please email HRBPStatewideServices@communities.wa.gov.au.

Working and Living in the Mid West
The Mid West of Western Australia spans from the Indian Ocean coastline inland to the Gibson Desert.  Your outdoor adventure includes exploring wildflowers, beach swimming, discovering the Abrolhos Islands, taking in Kalbarri National Park’s red and white sandstone gorges and tasting terrific fresh local produce. Discover the major town of Geraldton 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 also receive:

• District allowance of $1,239 without dependants, or $2,478 with dependants.
• 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 paid mandatory training from 14 September 2026 for two weeks. 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 children and young people would feel welcome and safe in therapeutic residential care?
• Question 2(b): What considerations would you apply when working with traumatised children and young people of Aboriginal or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds? (Criteria 1)
• Question 3: Provide an example how you have worked with children and 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)

Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the Work-Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) during the selection process.

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.