• Initial contract to June 30th, 2025, with possible view to extend (funding dependent)
• Full-time / part-time (negotiable, minimum 0.6 FTE)
• East Perth office location

About the Program

This position sits within Therapeutic Services WA and predominately works into the OurSPACE WA Program. OurSPACE WA is a statewide counselling, therapeutic consultation and support service for foster and family carers. OurSPACE stands for Safe, Predictable, Adaptive, Connected and Empowered.

OurSPACE WA helps to reduce stress for carers and improve placements for children by providing confidential counselling, empowering carers to better understand and respond to their children's therapeutic and cultural needs, and by offering support into the care team to strengthen the networks surrounding carers and their children. OurSPACE WA provides an integrated model of therapeutic counselling and specialised carer support, that responds to the unique and interrelated challenges and needs of carers. The OurSPACE WA service is predominately delivered via phone or videocall.

About the Role

The key role of the Senior Counsellor/Therapeutic Specialist is to act as a specialist therapeutic consultant and practitioner, working in partnership with children, carers, and networks of professionals to deliver the program. This position is primarily responsible for the provision of therapeutic counselling and support to foster carers and family carers via tele-health. There are other opportunities as part of this role within Therapeutic Services WA, which could include facilitating training or group work and other therapeutic interventions with children, young people, carers and families.

About You

We are seeking an individual with:

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work, or a related discipline.
• 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 and their caregivers.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with individuals who make up the network of support around children and young people, including carers, child protection, 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.
• Personal values consistent with the values of the organisation.
• A current Western Australian driver's licence or equivalent.
• A current Western Australian Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain.

Remuneration and Benefits

• 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

Click "Apply Now". If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of children, please attach a copy of your current resume along with a cover letter addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria.

For more information about the role or a copy of the position description, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Counsellor / Therapeutic Specialist 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 peoples, 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.