We recruit all year for our Recruitment Pool of Child and Youth Workers. You can apply at any time.

A Child and Youth Worker within residential care works directly with children and young people to:

  • develop specific programs and services to meet their needs
  • ensure their daily care needs are met
  • assist children and young people to develop their social and living skills which will help them to transition successfully into the community and/or reunification or reconnection with their families or other suitable care options.

Are you a good fit for the Child & Youth Worker role?

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Information sessions

At our free, no-obligation information sessions you’ll hear from someone who’s doing the job and learn about:

  • the recruitment process
  • the on-the-job training, TAFE course and other ongoing support

They run for about 1 hour plus question time, and are held online via Microsoft Teams from 6:30pm unless otherwise noted. Our upcoming sessions are:

  • Wednesday 5 August 2026
  • Tuesday 3 November 2026

To attend, register your interest by emailing DCPrecruitment@sa.gov.au.

Job requirements

We’re looking for people who have experience in environments where you have supported children or young people, particularly those who are vulnerable. This may include working, volunteering, or training in:

  • childcare, early childhood development or other youth work
  • education
  • health and social work

The role of a Child and Youth Worker can be very challenging. It is a very different environment from the jobs listed above but caring for children and young people in any professional setting can provide you with transferrable skills.

Prior to commencing employment, it is mandatory to:

  • hold or get a HLTAID012 – Provide Emergency First Aid in an Education and Care Setting (Unit of Competency)
  • pass all mandatory steps in the recruitment process, including medical, physical, and psychological assessments
  • be available to attend the first 8 weeks of training on a full-time basis.

The Role Description on our Career Portal (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) outlines the essential capabilities, special conditions and essential qualifications and experience required for this role.

For more information, please refer to:

A Child and Youth Worker testimonial

Watch this 4-minute video of Angelina talking about her experiences as a Child and Youth Worker for DCP, filmed at an information session in May 2023.

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We have a rigorous selection process comprising four steps which may be adapted to support local recruitment activities in regional areas.

Step 1 – Online application

Complete the online application on our Career Portal and include all requested documentation. We strongly recommend that you provide examples of your experience or transferable skills when responding to the questions.

  • Diversity and inclusion
    We are keen to increase our Aboriginal workforce because the number of Aboriginal children in care is disproportionate with the general population. Applicants who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander can be provided with additional support to assist with the selection process.

Step 2 – Telephone interview

If shortlisted from your online application, you will be invited to participate in a telephone interview.

Step 3 – Medical, physical and psychological screenings

Independent providers will undertake medical and psychological screenings, as per requirements under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 (external site) (external site) (external site) for any person employed in residential care.

The medical assessment will include a BMI reading and a physical assessment that may include a functional capacity assessment. These are needed to ensure you can meet the inherent requirements of the role.

Step 4 – Assessment Centre

If you pass your medical and psychological assessments, and your referee checks are satisfactory, you will be invited to a full day Assessment Centre.

During this day, you will participate in group exercises, a role play, and a face-to-face interview to evaluate your suitability and potential for the role. The experience will also provide you with a realistic understanding of the role, helping you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right fit for you.

Assessment Centres are run several times a year so if you have applied just after a round of Assessment Centres has been completed, the next round may not be for a few months.

Offers and appointments

Due to the TAFE component of your training, we have set intake dates through the year. Successful applicants will be placed in our Recruitment Pool and can choose their preferred intake date. You have 12 months to commence from the time you are recommended for the role after which time you will need to reapply.

If your application is unsuccessful, you must wait 12 months before applying again. Until then, we encourage you to consider doing some volunteer work to get more experience.

Mandatory 8-week, full-time induction

All new Child & Youth Workers must attend a mandatory 8-week, full-time induction program. You will be paid during the induction, which involves a combination of work shadowing (both AM and PM shifts) and attending training days. A schedule will be provided to you in your first week.

We will also enrol you in the nationally accredited CHC40321 - Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention course at TAFE. Attending the course is part of your employment. We will pay the course fees. Some subjects in this course have been specifically tailored to the needs of the Child & Youth Worker role in DCP so if you have previously studied this course, there may be some subjects that you are still required to do.

Salary and benefits

  • A Child and Youth Worker in DCP is employed at Residential Care Worker level 3 (RCW3) classification with a full-time salary range of $71,589-$77,075 as at March 2026
  • Shift penalties apply to afternoon and night shifts, weekend shifts and public holidays
  • Part time and casual positions are available after your mandatory 8-week full-time induction program
  • A Residential Care Allowance for non-casual employees applies after your first year if you have the required Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention qualification
  • Up to 5 weeks’ annual leave (for full-time employees) + 17.5% leave loading
  • Salary packaging available
  • Our annual DCP Recognition Awards to recognise staff excellence
  • Free counselling for you and your family through our Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to more than 1,700 gyms, fitness centres and pools across Australia through our Fitness Passport program for you and your family

The South Australia government also offers other benefits of working at DCP. Additional benefits may also be available for those who choose to work with us in regional South Australia.