• Make a difference in the lives of children
• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package including, vehicle, phone, tablet and salary packaging
• Northern Territory – Bush location 1 hour 15 minutes outside Darwin

The Australian Childhood Foundation has a strong reputation for delivery of therapeutic services, professional training and secondary consultation built upon up-to-date evidence based theoretical frameworks including the neurobiology of trauma, attachment and relational theories and child development.

MC1D is a rural, therapeutic residential treatment program for up to 10 young people aged 10 – 18 with complex needs located in a rural bush setting outside Darwin. The program is delivered by the Brahminy Foundation in partnership with the Australian Childhood Foundation.

This position is employed by The Australian Childhood Foundation and will work closely with the Residential & Cultural Care Leader, and Governance Group. The Australian Childhood Foundation also employs a full time Therapeutic Specialist in the program who works alongside care and teaching staff, leads Care Teams and is responsible for the development of Therapeutic Care Plans for the young people accommodated in the program.

Objectives:

• Develop, work within, share and build a clear therapeutic theoretical and practice framework.
• Walk together in harmony with authority and advice from Indigenous Elders and all community leaders (includes statutory leaders).
• Provide a trauma informed, stable, multi-systemic, integrated, coordinated, consistent and holistic response to the needs of young people.
• Promote the ability of young people to recover from the effects of abuse, trauma and loss.
• Provide nurturing, therapeutic, reparative care for young people who present with complex needs and challenging behaviours using a culturally responsive, trauma framework.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the referral and intake process for all new young people into the program.
• Work with the MC1D leadership group to ensure adherence to the therapeutic model used within MC1D.
• To participate and interact in recreational activities with young people and co-workers.
• Prepare reporting for the purpose of both internal and external analysis as requested by the CEO and in line with ACF reporting and recording requirements.
• Support the development of new joint initiatives with government and non-government partners which enhance outcomes for children who have experienced abuse, neglect and family violence.
• Develop and enhance the working relationship between the MC1D, Australian Childhood Foundation, and other key non-government organisations.
• Lead Team Meetings and support reflective practice with staff.
•  Provide supervision to the Therapeutic Specialist and MC1D staff.

About You – Key Selection Criteria:

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work, Youth Work / Management or a related discipline.
• Where applicable eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association.
• Extensive experience and knowledge in residential care, child abuse and/or in working with children and young people.
• Experience in working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, demonstrating cultural humility and deep listening to the cultural knowledge about ways of knowing being and doing.
• Extensive experience in program development, monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team of therapeutic residential youth workers in a residential environment and from a range of professional disciplines.
• Sound interpersonal skills, including demonstrated capacity to negotiate sensitive and complex issues with specific expertise in conflict resolution.
• Sound understanding of what is meant by trauma informed therapeutic services.
• Demonstrated commitment to a learning culture and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain effective relationships/partnerships with other agencies and key stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and responsively in a dynamic environment.
• A current Australian driver’s license or equivalent.
• A current Working with Vulnerable People Card or equivalent.
• Before commencement of employment your Ochre Card Registration number must be provided including a photocopy
• Must undergo a Federal Police and Child Protection Check
• Hold or obtain required First Aid Certification

Remuneration & Benefits:

This position attracts a competitive base salary, vehicle,  phone, tablet, and superannuation. 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:

• Professional Development
• Employee Assistance Program

To Apply:

Interested in this new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children?

Please forward a copy of your current resume along with a cover letter addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria to recruitment@childhood.org.au

Or for more information about the role or a copy of the position description please email 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.