• Ballarat Region | home in Alfredton on Wadawurrung Country
• Two roles available, full time and part time Stand Up line.
• Be part of an exciting evidence based model!

The Opportunity

Berry Street are implementing an evidence-based model of care called the Teaching Family Model (TFM) within our Residential Care Program. The Residential Care Program provides accommodation, a high standard of physical & emotional care and support to children and young people aged from 10 years old up to 17 years old in a Residential care setting who are

TFM is a therapeutic behavioural program, which sees children living with highly trained staff, known as Practitioners in a home setting. The TFM Practitioners, use teaching interactions, relationships and skills building which is targeted to reduce challenging behaviours and increase pro-social behaviours.

The model is trauma informed and helps young people identify personal stressors and develop appropriate self-regulation techniques. Overall, goals of the program include reduced problem behaviours, increased pro-social behaviours, increased social skills, accomplishment of age-appropriate tasks, and relationship development.

The role of the TFM Practitioners is use the TFM model to create lasting behavioural change for young people. You will be heavily support by the TFM Consultant, who will coach you through learning the model over a 12-month period. Your learning modalities will include formal training, on the job coaching, observations and formal feedback processes. There is compulsory training for this role for successful candidates. Teaching Family Model homes are staffed on a 24/7 roster.

Full time line:

Week 1

Tuesday 1pm – 11pm, Thursday 3.30pm – 11pm and Friday 2pm – 11.30pm

Week 2

Monday 7am – 3.30pm, Tuesday 8am – 4pm, Wednesday 7am – 3.30pm, Thursday 8am – 4pm, Saturday 3pm – 11pm and Sunday 3pm – 11pm.

Stand Up line (66.5hrs per f/t)

Week 1

Monday 10.30pm – 8am, Tuesday 10.30pm – 8am, Friday 10.30pm – 8am, Saturday 10.30pm – 8am and Sunday 10.30pm – 8am.

Week 2

Wednesday 10.30pm – 8am, Thursday 10.30pm – 8am

About You

• A team worker – ability to work with various stakeholders, share ideas with a constructive approach to reach common goals focusing on the best interests of the young person.
• Great at relationship building – listening and giving your time. Respecting yourself and others and have professional boundaries.
• Flexibility – be open to new ideas, cope with unexpected change and multitask with ease. Be creative in your thinking and approach each task without judgement and confidence.
• Creative in your thinking and approach life without judgement and confidence.
• You hold a drivers licence (minimum green P’s) as the role will transport young people from time to time.

A minimum Cert IV in Child, Youth & Family Intervention or other higher level qualification in Social Work/Youth Work equivalent is essential. However Berry Street will employ applicants who commit to enrolling in a relevant qualification.

• Applicants must also complete the mandatory upskilling units as required by Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Continuing employment is dependent on satisfactory evidence provided within 3 months of being engaged in the role. Our team will support you with your enrolment with our partner TAFE, Melbourne Polytechnic.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.

About Us

For over 140 years, Berry Street has adapted to a changing world, and we will continue to adapt to achieve our purpose. We believe children, young people and families should be safe, thriving and hopeful. Our Vision for 2026: Together we will courageously change lives and reimagine service systems. We look forward to working with our staff, carers, partners, supporters and government, to ensure children, young people and their families can create the future they imagine for themselves.

Why Choose Us

• Investment in you! As a Learning Organisation, there are so many opportunities for development that we offer you, including access to a comprehensive training calendar, free training such as AOD, First Aid, Health & Safety etc.
• Berry Street will pay $1,000 Support Payment upon confirmed completion of the Trauma Informed Practice and Upskilling modules.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including access for staff members’ immediate family.
• Opportunities for career progression and growth.

Important Dates:

• Group Assessment is on Thursday 21 September 10am – 2pm.
• Ballarat city location for the assessment centre.
• Orientation mandatory for all successful candidates on Monday 2 October 9.30am – 4.30pm.

Interested?

If you are interest please apply as soon as possible, these exciting roles will only be available until we find the right candidates!

Submit your current resume, complete the application questions and please specify if you have a preference in day, afternoon or stand up work. Applications close Tuesday 19 September 2023.

Any queries to Jo Reid – Team Leader, Residential Care, Carer Support 03 5330 5000.

Please Note: comprehensive reference and background checking will be undertaken, including a Working with Children Check and police check.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify with as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.