How to become a Residential Youth Worker

Provides care and supervision for children and young people living in residential facilities, such as group homes.

Main tasks

• Plans and implements programs of supervision and support for children in residential care
• Supervises and arranges activities to enhance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of children in residential care
• Wakes children and ensures they are washed, dressed, fed and ready for educational and recreational activities
• Supervises children during domestic activities
• Assesses individual needs, and plans and develops support programs
• Prepares reports and maintains client records
• Interviews individuals and assesses the nature and extent of abilities
• Maintains discipline and reinforces appropriate behaviour standards
• Monitors and reports on the progress of individuals

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Youth Work (CHC50421); Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention (CHC40321); Certificate IV in Youth Justice (CHC40521); Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention (CHC50321); Diploma of Youth Justice (CHC50521)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $95,888 a year
• About 96,500 people work in this job group now, and about 108,000 are projected by 2035. (+11.9%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Youth Justice Worker
• Youth Worker
• Child Protection Practitioner
• Family Violence Practitioner
• Community Development Officer
• Community Support Worker

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Residential Youth Worker?

Ways in include: Diploma of Youth Work; Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention.

How much does a Residential Youth Worker earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $95,888 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Residential Youth Worker a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 96,500 to about 108,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Residential Youth Worker?

Not always. 25% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Diploma of Youth Work; Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention.

Will AI change the work of a Residential Youth Worker?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04