• Part-Time 0.6EFT Ongoing
• Make a difference in the lives of children in this innovative role
• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package and salary packaging

The Foundation has a long history in the provision of innovative and responsive programs for families and children who have experienced trauma through abuse, neglect, or family violence. The Therapeutic Services program includes a range of programs that seek to address the impact of trauma on the child's emotional, psychological, behavioural, and social functioning and support and resource key relationships and systems around the child to support their healing.

About the role:

The Initial Response Practitioner will work with ACF staff and key external stakeholders to ensure a high quality intake and initial response to children, young people, families and their care system seeking counselling through the Child Trauma Service in the eastern region of metro Melbourne.

Primary Objectives of the Role:

• promote the ability of children and young people to recover from the effects of abuse, family violence, trauma and loss;
• ensure a multi-systemic, integrated, coordinated, consistent and holistic response to the needs of children, young people and parents/carers;
• promote relational stability, and improve opportunities for children and young people to successfully engage and connect with their parent/carer;
• ensure that children and young people are provided with opportunities and assistance to participate in decisions that affect their lives;
• work with families in a supportive, inclusive and respectful way; and,
• ensure that meaningful planning occurs in regard to the cultural needs of Aboriginal and other culturally diverse children and young people.

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 ability to work autonomously and build relationships with stakeholders.
• Highly developed ability to provide secondary consultation and advice to clinicians and other professionals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma, attachment and neurobiology frameworks and theories.
• Substantial experience working in the area of sexual abuse, harmful sexual behaviours and family violence.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with volunteers, including parents/carers, DFFH, 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.
• A current Working With Children Check.

Remuneration & Benefits:

This position will be provided with a competitive salary plus superannuation and salary packaging, and you will be supported with all the right equipment, including laptop and phone.

The salary will be 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.

To apply:

Interested in this new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children?

Please upload a copy of your resume along with a cover letter addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria.

For further information about the role or a copy of the position description please contact Human Resources at [email protected], using the subject line: Initial Response Practitioner 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 LGBTIQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications will be assessed and continued until the right candidates are sought, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are interested.