The Australian Childhood Foundation has a strong reputation for delivery of clinical services, professional training and secondary consultations built upon up-to-date; evidence based theoretical frameworks including the neurobiology of trauma, attachment and relational theories and child development.  This theoretical framework provides the foundation upon which all elements of care and intervention are provided by the Foundation’s therapeutic care service.

The Foundation currently provides a range of therapeutic care programs in foster care and residential care. The Foundation is responsible for delivering the specialist therapeutic services within these programs.

This position is based in Bairnsdale and is primarily co-located within the Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative (GEGAC). The therapeutic specialist works closely together with GEGAC employees, foster carers and kinship carers to deliver the therapeutic program.

Key objectives of the role

• Participate in program development, implementation and review of the program, working collaboratively to contribute to the successful development and implementation of the program.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with the key stakeholders relevant to the therapeutic care program.
• Work in partnership with foster care workers to ensure a coordinated, effective and timely response to children, carers and families of origin providing clinical leadership in the implementation of the program including assessment procedures, needs identification, risk assessment, practice guidelines, case documentation and transition planning.
• Provide referral and assessment advice to Child Protection, Placement Co-ordination Unit, foster care providers and other referrers regarding the eligibility and placement matching of children into the program.
• Undertake specialised trauma assessments for children and young people referred into the program.
• Provide, where appropriate, direct individual and parent/child trauma counselling to children within the program to promote their recovery from the effects of their abuse.
• Deliver training programs to out of home care staff and carers as required.

About you key selection criteria

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline.
• Eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and direct service in the clinical assessment and treatment of children, young people and families.
• Highly developed ability to provide secondary consultation and advice to clinicians and other professionals.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead and manage in an area of challenging and complex practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma, attachment and neurobiology frameworks and theories.
• Substantial experience in the area of child abuse and/or in working with traumatised children.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with volunteers, including carers, DHHS, other agencies and the community.
• A sophisticated understanding of the complexity of the service system and the issues involved in providing services to statutory clients.
• A current Victorian Working with Children Check.
• A current Victorian driver’s licence or equivalent.

To apply

To apply for this position please forward a copy of your current resume along with a cover letter addressing each of the “About You” criteria (listed above) to recruitment@childhood.org.au

Or for more information about the role or to request a copy of the position description, please email recruitment@childhood.org.au

Applications will be assessed and continued until the right candidates are sought, no close date will be issued, if you are interested please apply as soon as practicable.

Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

ACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.