• Circle East and TrAck program
• Part-time (26.6 hours per week), 12 months fixed contract
• Not-for-Profit organisation, make a positive difference in children's lives
• Attractive salary, access to salary packaging and excellent benefits

About the Australian Childhood Foundation

Australian Childhood Foundation was formed as the Victorian Society for the Prevention of child Abuse and neglect (VICSPCAN) in 1986 with its primary aim to advocate on behalf of children who have suffered abuse and neglect. It is a non-profit, non-government organisation that has made substantial achievements in the prevention of child abuse through education, advocacy, research, and specialised therapeutic services to abused children and their nonoffending family members.

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. 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 Eastern Division program in the therapeutic program delivered in partnership with Anglicare and carry a mixed caseload of children being cared for through the Treatment and Care for Kids (TrACK) and Circle programs.

About The Opportunity:

The Role:

As a key member of the care team, the Therapeutic Specialist will be primarily responsible for the provision of specialist therapeutic support to the carers 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. It is a leadership role that will contribute 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 Psychology, Social Work, or a related discipline.
• Eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association.
• 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.
• A sophisticated understanding of the complexity of the service system and the issues involved in providing services to statutory clients.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with volunteers, including carers, DFFH, other agencies and the community.
• 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.
• A current Victorian driver's licence or equivalent.

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:

• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a salary that reflects your experience and qualifications.
• Salary Packaging: Personalise how you receive your rewards to suit your financial goals.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access a wide range of support services to enhance your well-being.
• Guided Individual and Group Supervision: Benefit from regular sessions providing clinical guidance and support.
• Collaborative Connections: Join forces with our Australian-wide ACF Therapeutic Services Teams, a network of professionals committed to making a difference.
• Access to an Extensive Resources Library: Dive into a wealth of knowledge and insights from leading experts in the field, continually enhancing your impact.

How 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 HR team at [email protected] using the subject line: Therapeutic Specialist - Circle East and TrAck program enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.