• Support Family Preservation and Reunification working in an evidence-based model  
• SCHADS Level 7, 0.9 FTE (9-day fortnight) based at our Preston office
• Generous NFP Salary packaging available  

About AV 

At Anglicare Victoria (AV) our focus is on transforming the futures of children and young people, families and adults. Our work is based on three guiding pillars, Prevent, Protect, and Empower. We offer a comprehensive network of services and seek to ensure the provision of high-quality services that will bring about significant improvements in the life experience of the young people, children and families/caregivers with whom we work. 

In joining AV, you will be part of a positive work culture with access to professional development training, paid study leave, and opportunities for career progression in one of the largest community service organisations in Victoria. 

We are committed to supporting the health, wellbeing and resilience of our staff. You will have access to a range of free wellbeing activities including yoga and meditation, discounted health insurance and access to our Employee Assistance Program.    

The Team 

Functional Family Therapy Child Welfare (FFT-CW) is part of AV’s approach to the Department of Families, Fairness & Housing’s (DFFH) state-wide initiative to support Family Preservation & Reunification (FPR). The FFT-CW team complement a suite of family supports provided within the FPR model. 

FFT-CW is an intensive family and community-based intervention focused on supporting children, young people and their families aged 0-18 years. 

FFT-CW uses a short-term intervention approach with an average of 12 to 20 sessions, over three to five months. FFT-CW aims to keep families together, potentially preventing children and young people from entering out-of-home care. The intervention involves a strong cognitive behavioural component integrated into systemic skill-training in family communication, parenting skills, conflict management skills and numerous other skills linked to a variety of referral problems. The program also develops positive interagency links that help families and young people access appropriate services.  

This Role 

The Lead Practitioner will:  

• Lead a team in providing an intensive assertive outreach service for children, young people and families to identify and engage key participants, build on protective factors and address risks, and to develop an analysis of the referral behaviours through adherence to the FFT-CW model. 
• Support practitioners to undertake systemic assessments and develop interventions plans in partnership with children, young people and families, using excellent written and oral communication skills, which address referral behaviours and safety risks. 
• Deliver group and individual supervision of the FFT-CW Practitioner team to ensure the provision of specialist evidence-based therapeutic and behavioural interventions to families. 
• Work with relevant stakeholders (internal and external) to continuously improve the implementation of our service delivery model and AV’s commitment to improving the lives of children, young people and their families. 
• Monitor program performance and outcomes through the collection and analysis of service data and implement changes to the operation of the program. Identify performance trends, best practices, and opportunities for improvement. 
• Developed ability to undertake clinical judgement and provide specialised advice, supervision, reporting and services to practitioners, relevant stakeholders and clients. 
• Work in conjunction with the Program Manager and EBM Practice & Implementation Lead to plan and implement responses in relation to program, sector and service developments. 
• Carry a caseload of families as and when is required to demonstrate competency in the model. 
• Lead Practitioners will be required in Phase 1 & 2 to complete the clinical model with families to demonstrate model fidelity and dissemination. 

Role Requirements  

To be successful in this position you will need:  

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology and/or related behavioural sciences at degree level with relevant experience; or diploma level with substantial experience. (Refer to Position Description for overseas qualifications) 
• The ability to demonstrate competency against the knowledge, skills and personal qualities outlined on page 2 of the Position Description – such as: 
• Demonstrated experience leading teams  
• Ability to supervise multi-disciplinary staff providing coaching and feedback 
• Leading team meetings and reflective practice 
• Working with high needs complex families  
• Experience developing intervention goals to build protective factors 
• Understanding child development ages and stages 
• Experience conducting risk and needs assessments 
• Utilising culturally sensitive practice with marginalised and minority groups 
• Knowledge of child welfare services 
• Understanding theoretical approaches (i.e., motivational interviewing and social inclusion) 
• Knowledge of evidence-based interventions 
• Experience in data collection to demonstrate outcomes 
• Working within a casework framework 
• The ability to perform some work outside of standard office hours to service the needs of clients 
• A current Victorian driver’s license and Working with Children Check and be prepared to undergo Criminal History Check(s) prior to commencement 

For the full requirements please read the Position Description here: Lead Practitioner Family Services PD FS E AW7 122023 V1.0.pdf

To Apply 

Complete an online application via the AV careers page, attaching three documents: a resume, a cover letter and a short response addressing the Key Selection Criteria (no more than 2 pages in total). 

For further enquiries contact Jan Pfeiffer, Program Manager 0408 053 196 and [email protected] using the subject line: Lead Practitioner- Functional Family Therapy-Child Welfare enquiry via EthicalJobs.

We encourage and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Anglicare Victoria acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We commit to working respectfully to honour their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country. 

Diversity and inclusivity are important to Anglicare Victoria and we are committed to ensuring our workplace and services reflect this.  Everyone is welcome at Anglicare Victoria, regardless of age, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and physical ability.