Getting started as a Youth Worker

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How to get started as a Youth Worker

Whether you are just starting out in your career or may be looking for a career change, Youth Support Worker offers you the opportunity of a rewarding career, where you make meaningful difference in the lives of others. It's a job that is in high demand and offers plenty of carer pathways and opportunities for career growth. 


Edmen is one of Australia's largest community staffing providers and collaborates with major community organisations to provide support services. As a casual employee you’ll be employed by Edmen and provide support to our client partners, often alongside their permanent staff members in a residential setting.   


Casual work is great if you are looking for flexibility and have other commitments such as study and caring responsibilities. 

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See available jobs

Take a browse of our open roles across Australia and start your journey with Edmen today.

Why Edmen?

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Dedicated 24/7 Service Coordinators 

Edmen support workers have access to their own dedicated service coordinators 24 hours a day. The team are just a phone call away.

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Support & Supervision


Get the professional and personal support you need with ongoing supervision for all Youth Workers, plus we have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

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Opportunities to go permanent


If your circumstances change. We offer opportunities to transition into permanent positions with our community service partners.

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Earn while you learn


Our Kickstart Program lets you get paid for your placement hours while working with Edmen.

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Mobile app


Streamline your work life management with our mobile app, Active by PeopleIN.

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Weekly Pay


Consistency is best when it comes to pay. Weekly pay means you know exactly when your next paycheck is due.

What you need to get started

  • Professional Qualifications

    Check out the minimum requirements to become a Youth Worker here. 


    You will need to either be enrolled or have completed a Certificate IV in Youth Work or similar. 


    Length of time to complete: they can be completed in as little as 6 months. You are able to work at Edmen whilst you are studying, we have our Kickstart program  this means you can gain valuable hands on experience, in a supportive environment whilst getting paid. 


    Format of study: Available hybrid, online or face to face 


    Cost: As the roles are in high demand, many courses are subsidised meaning you could get free or very affordable study, starting from as little as $60.  


    Where: There are a range of providers, from local TAFE’s to private organisations that offer a range of study options from hybrid, in-person, to all online.  If you're unsure where to start, Edmen's recruitment team can point you in the right direction. 

  • Your Identity Documents

    Most of the mandatory requirements and checks require you to submit identity documents, including a passport, to help speed up the process, make sure you have all these documents ready before you start to apply for your checks.

  • Blue Card / Working with Children Check

    These contribute to creating a safe environment for young people by performing checks and monitoring individuals that work, either paid or volunteering on those that work within child focused industries or organisation. 


    These are issued at a state level and each state has a different process. See the overview below.  


    Queensland - Blue Card 


    Costs approx. $101 (July 2023). Students or exemption card holders may be able to get it free. 


    Processing time:  approximately 28 days if the individual does not have a criminal history.   


    How to apply: The easiest way is to apply online, you will need a Customer Reference Number (CRN) first to prove your identity. Learn more and apply for the QLD: Blue Card by clicking here     


    Valid: 5 years  


    New South Wales – Working With Children Check (WWCC) 


    Costs approx.:  – Approx $80 


    Processing time: Approx. 4 weeks 


    How to apply: Start the application online here, you will need to visit a service center to show your original identity documents and pay the fee.  Learn more and start the application here.


    Valid: 5 years  


    South Australia  


    Costs approx.:  – Approx $114 


    Processing time: Approx. 4 weeks 


    How to apply: Start the application online, you will need to submit identity documents and pay a fee.  Learn more and start the application here. 


    Valid: 5 years 



  • Australian National Police Check

    A national police check is a national criminal history check, it provides a summary of any offender history in Australia. This includes any pending charges, local and interstate criminal and traffic court outcomes and outstanding warrants.  


    Costs approx: $47  


    Processing time: most arrive via email in a few days. 


    How to apply: You can apply online here 


     

  • First Aid/CPR Training

    A First Aid / CPR certificate is required before you can work with Edmen. This must come from an Australian Nationally Recognised training provider (keep an eye out for the green and red triangle logo). 


    Costs approx: $47  


    Processing time: most certificates arrive in your inbox in a few days.  

  • Australian Drivers License

    As you will be driving workplace vehicles, Edmen requires all employees to hold an Australian driving license. Unfortunately, international driving licenses cannot be accepted at Edmen. If you have an international license check out this page.

  • What is the interview and onboarding process?

    1. Submit your job application 


    2. Invited to an online interview with one of the Edmen recruitment team 


    3. Requested to send through documents, checks as listed above. Our team can help provide a check list if you are unsure or need some help. The quicker the documents are sent to us the quicker the process.   


    4. Edmen verifies documents and our compliance team and clients approve


    5. Invited to an assessment centre


    6. Complete all mandatory online training


    7. Once all completed and approved, you will be allocated dedicated service coordinator, who will help assign you shifts.  

     


    If you are eager to start working as soon as possible, providing evidence of all mandatory checks and qualifications, even if it's just enrolment onto the course, will help speed up the interview and onboarding process.   

What our candidates are saying

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"Jacq was amazing and very helpful throughout the recruitment process. She was efficient and kept me up to date. She was very approachable and provided the guidance I needed. I experienced one of the best recruitment processes with her. "


- Winnie, Edmen Candidate 

Day in the life of a Youth Worker 


In a nutshell, Youth Workers help young people on a daily basis, fostering their development of essential life skills through dedicated support. For an in-depth look into the daily life of a Youth Worker, check out our videos from our team or check out our support worker testimonials. 


Meet Josh
Meet Ash
Meet Natalie