• Make a difference in the lives of children
• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package including, phone, tablet and salary packaging
• Three days per week based in Mitcham and co-located with partner agency
• Initial 12 month contract

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.

ACF has a strong relationship with and commitment to Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS) based in the Eastern region of metro Melbourne. BWAHS provides a range of specialist family violence and healing services and programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing family violence or use violence.  This position will work within the partnership to provide trauma informed, strengths based, culturally safe consultation, support and training alongside the BWAHS team.

The role of the Therapeutic Specialist is to engage as a therapeutic consultant and practitioner within the BWAHS team. A primary focus will be within the children’s team, as well as consultation with family services and the men’s programs as required.  This position will focus on the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, and the impact that trauma and family violence has on their development and ability to engage in the community in healthy and healing ways.  The Therapeutic Specialist is primarily responsible for the provision of specialist therapeutic consultation to BWAHS practitioners, facilitation of reflective practice for BWAHS practitioners, the delivery of specialised training about trauma and therapeutic care, and direct service delivery in the form of co-facilitation of groups where appropriate. The position will be primarily co-located at BWAHS and will be an integral member of the BWAHS team.

Your primary responsibilities:

• Provide planned and unplanned secondary case consultation and support to BWAHS Children’s Team from a trauma informed, culturally safe lens.
• Provide consultation and support to broader BWAHS teams / programs as needed, focusing on the needs of children and young people.
• Provide program development consultation and support to aid in the ongoing review and development of documentation and trauma informed practices within BWAHS practices.
• Facilitate reflective practice sessions to BWAHS Children’s Team focusing on the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and developing understanding of the needs of the children and young people who have experienced family violence and other forms of abuse.

About you – Key Selection Criteria: 

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology or a related discipline.
• Eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the impact of trauma and colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, their families and communities.
• 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, including delivering a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions to the client group.
• Knowledge of and expertise in delivering a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions to children, young people and their families.
• Highly developed ability to provide secondary consultation and advice to clinicians and other professionals.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively and positively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to a learning culture and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and responsively in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively, maintain effective relationships and partnerships, and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with individuals who make up the network of support around children and young people.
• Personal values consistent with the values of the organisation.
• A current driver’s license and working with children check.

Remuneration & Benefits:

This position attracts a competitive base salary + phone + tablet + superannuation + salary packaging. 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:

• Access to a generous annual Professional Development Program
• Employee Assistance Program

To apply:

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

Please click the link below to be redirected to our candidate portal, where you will be able to attach a copy of your current resume along with a cover letter, addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria.

https://australianchildhood.force.com/recruit/fRecruit__ApplyJob?vacancyNo=VN031

For more information about the role or a copy of the position description please email Bree Roberts 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.