Youth Support Worker jobs in South Australia

Are you looking for a role where you can make a difference?

SYC has a relentless belief in people and their potential. We provide services that foster wellbeing, independence, and opportunity for all Australians.

We have a unique opportunity for a passionate Support Worker to join the Justice Services team in Kent Town on a Part-time permanent fixed-term basis until 31/12/2026.

SYC’s Youth Justice team provides individualised, holistic and therapeutic support to children and young people who have intersects with the justice system. Using a throughcare model the Youth Justice team assists young people to reach their full potential by addressing underlying needs through relational, culturally safe, and trauma-informed approaches to help rebuild connections, foster resilience, and create pathways that divert young people away from custody and toward healing and stability. This role will be working within the Community Service Order Program, focusing on providing professional, client-centred services to young people aged 10-20.

As a support worker, you will play an important role in walking alongside young people, supporting them to create meaningful change in their lives. Your approach will be grounded in care, respect, and a strong belief in each young person's capacity to grow and thrive.

Day-to-day activities will include:

• Providing compassionate, client-led support by undertaking collaborative, strengths-based assessments that centre each young person’s voice, values, and lived experience —recognising their potential beyond their current circumstances while exploring their unique needs, aspirations, and the challenges that may contribute to justice system involvement.
• Supporting young people to reflect on and address underlying risk factors, while nurturing protective factors that support positive life choices, connection, and wellbeing.
• Delivering one on one and group programs/training with young people in custody and community
• Advocating on behalf of clients with relevant services and Government departments, liaise and refer to other services as appropriate, ensuring their voices are heard across systems
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, internal and external stakeholders, families and community to help young people successfully achieve their goals.

About You

Someone who has a passion and experience working alongside young people. Grounded in trauma-informed practice, you recognise the impact of adversity while holding hope for healing and change. You’ll gain a valuable insight into children and young people’s experiences and be part of a supportive team that celebrates each other’s successes. You will be empowering young people to make a positive choice and committed to fostering an environment of growth and support. A proactive and solution-oriented mindset is essential, as is the ability to adapt to the unique need of each client.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• Strong engagement skills and the ability to interact effectively and sensitively with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to write timely and accurate case notes and reports.
• The ability to conduct holistic trauma informed client assessments and develop effective service plans and case noting and report writing.
• The ability to prepare and facilitate individual and/or group learning programs and activities.
• A positive attitude and collaborative spirit, ready to work as part of a close-knit team.

Key Screening Requirements:

• Be willing to complete a Working with Children Check and National Police Check
• Have possession of a current valid Driver’s Licence, and willingness to drive.
• Be eligible to work in Australia.
• Hold and maintain a current, valid First Aid Certificate.
• Be willing to work between the span hours of 6am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
• Be willing to be flexible with the taking of leave around periods of high demand, e.g., school holidays.

Additional benefits

• Additional day off to celebrate your Birthday*
• Enjoy salary packaging benefits
• Access an additional one week of paid leave each year, through SYC loyalty leave*
• Discounted Corporate Private Health Cover
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellbeing leave
• Qualifying periods and terms apply.

About us

SYC exists so everyone can succeed.

A not-for-profit organisation, we invest back into the Australian community, helping tens of thousands of people every year with housing, education and employment.

Founded in 1958 to support young people experiencing disadvantage, we have extended this expertise to people of all ages for more than three decades.

To learn more about us, visit our website: https://www.syc.net.au/services/employment

To apply please click the Apply Now button.

If you have any questions, please email careers@syc.net.au

SYC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud of our diverse workforce. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with disability to apply. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact our recruitment team who will be happy to support you via careers@syc.net.au.