About the Role

The Therapist (MST-CAN) will deliver therapy using the Multisystemic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglect (MST-CAN) model, with the aim of producing positive change for children and families. MST-CAN is a researched community-based treatment model directed at families with children ages 6-17 years old where there is physical abuse and/or neglect.

This internationally recognised program has proven to keep families together, prevent children entering out-of-home care, increase safety for children and young people, and reduce mental health difficulties experienced by adults and children. You can find out more about MST-CAN here: https://www.mstservices.com/mst-can-child-welfare-program

Approximately three weeks of training in the MST-CAN model is included in the onboarding process, and you are supported to implement the model through weekly group supervision and regular individual supervision. Quarterly refreshers are held in areas of particular interest and need, and additional professional development activities can be accessed throughout the course of the role. MST-CAN Therapists work in a supportive team environment with the Lead, two other Therapists and the Therapeutic Caseworker. MST-CAN is a collaborative treatment model and so you will also be working with relevant members of the family’s ecology, such as extended family, schools and external agencies.

Along with contributing towards the efficiency and effectiveness of the team, you will:

• Carry a case load and provide the MST-CAN treatment model in the home to families where there has been physical abuse and/or neglect
• Deliver a service in a culturally inclusive framework for Aboriginal and culturally diverse families with respect and attention to the additional complexities of working with Aboriginal and CALD families within the child protection system
• Facilitate and participate in the development and review of the family’s treatment plan in accordance with the program model timeframes
• Contribute positively to the development of collaborative partnerships with DCJ Community Service Centres in the region and other key stakeholders
• Work in support of other Uniting functions and teams to foster coordination across the organisation

About You

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling or a related subject area. Persons with a related bachelor’s degree and significant clinical experience may also qualify. Provisional Psychologists are welcome to apply.
• Demonstrated experience with individual therapy with children, young people and adults using cognitive behavioural techniques
• Experience with direct use of pragmatic (i.e., structural, strategic and functional) family therapies
• Demonstrated experience using behavioural therapy targeting behavioural change in children at home and school
• Demonstrated experience implementing interventions within or between systems in the family’s natural ecology that affect or contribute to the child abuse and/or neglect (i.e., individual child, family, peer, school, and neighbourhood)

Even Better

• Demonstrated experience using behaviourally-based approaches with marital therapy and substance abuse treatment for adults and children
• Demonstrated experience using exposure, cognitive therapies, and stress inoculation training in trauma treatment for adults and children

Benefits & culture 

Uniting is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We work together to ensure that every employee can be the best they can be. We value you and will support you in your life and in your career by:

• Offering ongoing training and mentoring so you can continue to improve and learn new skills
• Ensuring a family friendly workplace and flexible working hours
• Regular supervision and an accessible employee assistance program to support your wellbeing
• Access to salary packaging benefits
• 4 weeks annual leave with an additional week ex-gratia leave at Christmas

What’s next?

If the idea of working for a progressive not-for-profit organization excites you, then click APPLY now to get your application started!

For further information, please contact Soraya Kauhiva via email [email protected]

Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received.

Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks – which may include a National Criminal History Record check, previous Employer Reference checks, and Working with Children checks.