Therapeutic Specialist – Foster & Residential Care Program

• Attractive salary and excellent benefits including, phone, tablet and salary packaging
• Fully maintained company vehicle
• Annual Professional Development Allowance
• Part time – 4 days per week (0.8fte)

The Australian Childhood Foundation has a strong reputation for delivery of clinical services, professional training and secondary consultation programs 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 care service.

About The Opportunity:
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. The position has a key leadership role with regard to the development and implementation of appropriate therapeutic support for each child and young person.

About You/ Key Selection Criteria:

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy or a related discipline. 
• Eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association such as AASW.
• 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.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Post Graduate qualification or additional training in relevant child, adolescent and family clinical practice.
• Demonstrated ability to provide therapeutic leadership and guidance to a range of professionals and members of the child’s network.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively and positively within a team environment.
• A well developed ability to assist others to understand the implications of trauma and attachment theories and their relationship to child abuse.
• Knowledge of and expertise in delivering a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions to the client group. 
• Demonstrated commitment to a learning culture and continuous improvement, and experience reporting within the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards would be an advantage.
• Capacity to articulate and relate theory to practice in a training environment.
• Ability to understand and manage the complexities inherent in working in a home based care setting, including flexibility in meeting the needs of carers and the care team.
• Extensive knowledge of child welfare and child protection and relevant legislation.
• Understanding of child advocacy and related areas.
• Experience in program development, monitoring and evaluation.
• Personal values consistent with the values of the organisation.

Remuneration & Benefits:
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:

• A competitive base salary + superannuation + salary packaging
• Fully maintained company vehicle (small contribution for non work days)
• A generous Professional Development Allowance
• Employee Assistance Program

To apply:
To apply, please upload a copy of your resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria, listed in the advertisement.

For more information about the role or a copy of the position description please contact Bree Roberts – HR Officer at [email protected]od.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.