Working at Kanda means you’ll be supported, valued, and making a real difference
If you are thinking about working with children and young people, you are probably looking for more than just a job. You want work that matters. You want to feel supported. And you want to know you are not doing it alone.
Kanda Children, Youth and Family Services is an out-of-home care provider supporting children, young people, and families across multiple locations. We deliver a range of housing and support services, including non-family based out-of-home care, supported independent living (SIL), family support programs and wrap-around supports designed to help young people feel safe, stable, and connected.
Behind all of this work is a strong focus on the wonderful people who actually provide the care. We have some great teams at Kanda and we understand that when our team members feel supported, trained, and listened to, young people receive better care.
What Kanda does, and who they support
At Kanda, we work with children and young people who need extra support. The reasons can be complex and may be due to family breakdown, placement changes, disability, or other life circumstances. Some young people live in residential care homes with 24/7 support. Others are supported in more independent living arrangements.
“I help the young people with their day-to-day lives. That can be anything from meals and school drop-offs to appointments, homework, and helping them feel supported at home.” Shannon, Residential Care Worker
For many young people, their time with Kanda may be short-term. For others, it is part of a longer journey toward stability and independence. In every case, the focus is on building trust, supporting everyday life, and helping young people feel seen and valued.
A welcoming place to start if you want to work with children and young people
Not everyone who works at Kanda started their career in youth or community services. Some team members come from retail, trades, or other hands-on industries. What they share is a genuine care for children and young people and a willingness to learn.
Our youth workers choose this work for many positive reasons, including experiences from their own lives that inspire them to give back.
“I wanted to be the adult I felt I needed when I was a little girl. I wanted to be that person for someone else.” Tegan, Team Leader / Acting Case Manager
Kanda provides structured onboarding, clear guidance, and practical training so staff can grow into their roles with confidence. You do not need to have everything figured out on day one. Support is built into the work.
Team members at Kanda are encouraged to ask questions, learn from experienced colleagues, and develop their skills over time. This makes Kanda a welcoming place for people who feel drawn to youth work but are unsure where to begin
Real support, when the work gets challenging
Working with young people can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Kanda recognises this and puts strong support structures in place for staff.
Our residential care workers describe being able to contact managers when they need guidance, even outside standard hours. There is a culture of checking in after difficult incidents and making sure staff are okay, not just focused on paperwork or outcomes.
“This is the most supported I’ve ever felt in a role. I know I can go to my managers, my team, or regional staff, and I’ll be listened to and backed.” Tegan, Team Leader / Acting Case Manager
Kanda also offers access to independent wellbeing support, giving staff a confidential place to talk if they need extra help. This layered approach to support helps people stay grounded and confident in their roles, leading to excellent outcomes for the young people in their care.
Training and professional development that builds confidence
Learning does not stop once you are on the job at Kanda. We invest in ongoing training and professional development, including structured programs that help our teams understand trauma, behaviour, and emotional regulation.
Staff are supported to complete required qualifications while working, and regular training opportunities are offered throughout the year. This helps you build practical skills you can use every day, while also opening pathways to progress your career.
Importantly, training is not treated as a tick-box exercise. It is connected to real situations staff encounter and helps them better understand the young people they support.
Kanda and the Sanctuary Model of trauma-informed care
A key part of how Kanda supports both the young people in its care and its staff is through the Sanctuary Model of trauma-informed care. This model is a structured approach to understanding the impact of trauma and building safe, compassionate environments where healing and growth can happen.
The Sanctuary Model provides a shared language and consistent framework that guides everything from daily interactions with young people to team meetings and conflict resolution. The model helps staff respond with understanding rather than judgement. By embedding The Sanctuary Model into training and everyday practice, we’re helping young people feel safe and supported. We’re also giving our valued workers a clear, evidence-based approach to managing stress, building resilience, and nurturing positive relationships across all locations where we operate.
“The training really helps you understand what’s happening for young people in crisis. It changes how you respond and helps you support them better.” Tegan, Team Leader / Acting Case Manager
Feeling heard and valued at work
One of the strongest themes shared by staff is feeling listened to. Youth workers are encouraged to speak up if something is not working and to suggest new approaches that may better support a young person.
“Management have always supported me. When I was new and figuring things out, they guided me through it all. I’ve never felt like I was on my own.” Shannon, Residential Care Worker
Good communication, advance notice of changes, and clear expectations help our staff feel secure in their roles. We know that when our staff feel heard, they are more confident, more engaged, and better able to support the young people in their care.
Why people choose to work at Kanda
Team members at Kanda talk about the meaning they find in the work. They speak about seeing young people grow, celebrating small wins, and knowing they have helped someone through a difficult time.
“This is probably the most rewarding career path I’ve gone down. At the end of the day, if you’ve helped someone through a tough situation, that really fills your cup.” Shannon, Residential Care Worker
They also talk about feeling supported by their colleagues, backed by management, and encouraged to develop professionally. The combination makes Kanda more than just a place to work. It’s a place to build a career.
Thinking about working with young people?
If you have been thinking about working with children and young people but are unsure where to start, make Kanda your next call! We provide professional development training, genuine care for staff, and opportunities across multiple locations. Kanda is a place where people can learn, grow, and make a real difference.
If you bring care, commitment, and a willingness to learn, Kanda will support you every step of the way.
Contact us to talk about your next role with Kanda Children, Youth and Family Services.
Work for us
At Kanda, we're a community making a difference. Enjoy a supportive, inclusive workplace with flexible work arrangements, academic study leaves, and extended Christmas closures. If you're passionate about positive impact and growth, join our team that truly cares.