• Make a difference in the lives of children
• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package including, phone, tablet and salary packaging
• Horsham location – 0.8 EFT

The Australian Childhood Foundation has a strong reputation for delivery of clinical 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 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. The Therapeutic Specialist being sought will work within the Western Division Circle and Therapeutic Residential Care  programs.  These programs are delivered in partnership with Wimmera Uniting Care.   The position will be located in Horsham.

The key role of the Therapeutic Specialist is to act as a specialist therapeutic consultant and practitioner within the therapeutic foster and residential care programs.  This position is a key member of the care team developed for each child.  The Therapeutic Specialist is primarily responsible for the provision of specialist therapeutic support to the carers (foster and residential)and other members of the care team, the delivery of specialised training about trauma and therapeutic care to professionals, carers and volunteer support people, and direct therapeutic work with children where appropriate.

Your primary responsibilities:

• Participate in program development, implementation and review of the Therapeutic Foster Care Program working collaboratively to contribute to the successful development and implementation of the program at both regional and program levels.
• Work in partnership with the foster care workers, TRC workers  and other referrers to ensure a coordinated, effective and timely response to children, carers and families of origin providing clinical leadership in the implementation of the Therapeutic Program including assessment procedures, needs identification, risk assessment, practice guidelines, case documentation and transition planning.
• Provide referral and assessment advice to Protective Services, Placement Co-ordination Unit, foster care providers and other referrers regarding the eligibility and placement matching of children entering the program.
• Undertake specialised trauma assessments for children and young people referred into the Circle and TRC programs and from other sources .
• 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.

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, DHS, 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 driver’s license or equivalent.

Remuneration & Benefits:

This position attracts a competitive base salary + car + 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:

• Professional Development
• Employee Assistance Program

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.