• Permanent Ongoing Position
• Part-time 0.5 FTE (19 hours per week) Circle Gippsland program
• Attractive salary and benefits packaging including Salary Packaging

The Australian Childhood Foundation has a strong reputation for delivery of clinical services, professional training and secondary consultation programs 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 Foundations therapeutic services.

About The Program:

The Circle therapeutic foster care program seeks to provide a care context for children and young people who have experienced abuse related trauma that addresses the impact of the trauma on the child’s emotional, psychological, behavioural and social functioning.  Through the provision of care that has a deliberate therapeutic intent, the placement seeks to actively promote the recovery of the child from the effects of their trauma.

The major elements of the Circle program include the provision of an enriched, therapeutically intentional environment throughout all interactions. This will be achieved by an inclusive care team approach, the provision of specialised therapeutic support and training to carers and the broader care team of professionals working with and/or supporting the child and their placement. Central to the Circle program is the care team comprised of the carer, foster care worker, specialist therapeutic consultant and other key stakeholders such as family, school, and other relevant professionals.

About The Role:

As a crucial member of the Therapeutic Foster Care program, the Therapeutic Specialist plays a vital role in providing specialised therapeutic support to both the caregivers and the children in their care. This position involves acting as a consultant and practitioner, delivering specialized training on trauma and therapeutic care to professionals, caregivers, and volunteers, and providing direct therapeutic work with children as needed.

The Therapeutic Specialist also takes on a leadership role in developing and implementing appropriate therapeutic support for each child and young person, ensuring that they receive the best possible care and support.

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 therapeutic support of children, young people and families.
• Substantial experience in the area of child abuse and family violence, and/or in working with traumatised children, including delivering a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions to the client group.
• A sophisticated understanding of the complexity of the service system and the issues involved in providing services to statutory clients.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with children, young people, parents, carers, families DFFH, other agencies and the community.
• 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.
• A current Victorian driver’s licence or equivalent and working with children’s check.
• Full COVID-19 vaccination or medical exemption.

Remuneration & Benefits:

The salary is determined on the basis of the employee’s experience and qualifications.  In joining a strong, values based organisation, you will also have access to:

• A competitive base salary + superannuation + salary packaging
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program

To apply:

To apply, please click here where you will be redirected to our application portal.

For more information about the role or a copy of the position description please contact Bree Roberts – HR Officer at recruitment@childhood.org.au

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 strongly encouraged to apply.