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. This theoretical framework provides the foundation upon which all elements of care and intervention are provided by the Foundations Therapeutic Services.

The opportunity:

ACF currently has an exciting vacancy for a Therapeutic Specialist to join our small team based in Darwin on a full or part time basis.

As our new Therapeutic Specialist you will act as a specialist therapeutic consultant across the residential and intensive youth support programs. You will be a key member of the team in each program and will be primarily responsible for the provision of specialist therapeutic support to the carers and other members of the care team, the delivery of specialised training about trauma, therapeutic care and intervention to staff and carers in the program. You will have a key leadership role with regard to the development and implementation of appropriate therapeutic support for each child/young person.

About the role:

As the new Therapeutic Specialist you will be responsible for:

• Participating in program development, implementation and review of the Residential Care and Intensive Youth Support Programs, working collaboratively to contribute to the successful development and implementation of the program.
• Working in close collaboration with the Therapeutic Services Program Manager and relevant Anglicare NT Program Manager to ensure appropriate resourcing and support to the programs.
• Working in partnership with residential staff and youth support staff to ensure a coordinated, effective and timely response to children and young people providing clinical leadership in the implementation of therapeutic care/interventions including needs identification, risk assessment, therapeutic planning, and transition planning.
• Providing direct mentoring to residential staff and youth support staff on therapeutic interventions where relevant and practical.
• Developing a therapeutic care plan with residential care staff for each child/young person that is regularly reviewed and updated and applies across all spheres of the persons development.
• Participating in case planning and therapeutic individual planning processes, including participation in multidisciplinary therapeutic care planning meetings, to assist in the development and review of a therapeutic care plan and individual plan that identifies the specific client and placement need and the appropriate support and management strategies required.
• Providing specialist ongoing training and support for residential care workers and youth support staff in therapeutic care/support approaches.

About you:

• 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.
• Ability to deliver culturally secure services that integrate cultural healing principles.
• 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 and young people.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with volunteers, including carers, 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 Northern Territory driver’s license and Working with Children Check or equivalent.

Remuneration & Benefits:

This position attracts a competitive base salary, a $15,000 remote allowance, FBT exemptions of 50% via salary packaging, 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 (up to $1000 (pro-rata) per year)
• Employee Assistance Program

To apply:

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

Please email recruitment@childhood.org.au to request a copy of the position description for this role or for more information on the role. Then to apply please email recruitment@childhood.org.au with a copy of your current resume along with a cover letter addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria (located in the position description).

The Australian Childhood Foundation is committed to E.E.O principles and a smoke-free workplace. The Australian Childhood Foundation meets all of its obligations as a Safeguarding Children organisation. The successful applicant is required to comply with all of its policies, including its Code of Conduct and child protection policies.

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.