• Full time, Fixed-term contract until April 2024
• Attractive salary and excellent benefits including, phone, tablet, salary packaging

The Australian Childhood Foundation has a strong reputation for delivery of clinical and support services, professional training and secondary consultation programs built upon contemporary evidence, cultural knowledge and practice experience and based upon theoretical frameworks including the neurobiology of trauma, attachment and relational theories and child development. This theoretical framework provides the foundation upon which all elements of care and intervention are provided by our Therapeutic Services programs. The voice of children and young people is also essential in guiding our service delivery.

The Foundation currently provides a range of innovative national therapeutic services including specialist assessments and trauma counselling services for children, young people and their families who have experienced abuse and family violence, harmful sexual behaviour treatment programs for children and young people and therapeutic models of foster, residential and kinship care.

The Program:

ACF has received federal funding to deliver the Off and Racing Youth Support Service (ORYSS), a pilot program aimed at young offenders and those at risk of offending in southeast metropolitan Perth, focusing on reducing further offending and antisocial behaviour. The evidence-based approach combines multiple behaviour change elements, including equine assisted interventions, mentoring, leadership experiences, education, vocational and workplace opportunities.

These will be aimed at diverting young people (aged 14-18) from criminal activity, early school disengagement, and long-term issues such as sustained unemployment and homelessness. Uniquely, it will be delivered by the Australian Childhood Foundation in partnership with the WA thoroughbred racing industry, local police, an equine assisted intervention service, and Karla Kuliny Aboriginal Corporation.

The Opportunity:

The Australian Childhood Foundation currently have an opportunity for a Team Leader to join their Perth office on a full time, fixed-term contract until April 2024. This position will play a key role in ensuring positive outcomes for the young people attending the program and leading a service that elevates the voice and needs of the young people.

Preferred Skills & Attributes:

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Youth, Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma, attachment and neurobiology frameworks and theories.
• Knowledge of and expertise in using a range of contemporary youth engagement methodologies to support positive behaviour change for young people with complex needs.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively including the writing of monthly reports, convene steering group meetings and liaise with funders
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and responsively in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively, maintain effective relationships and partnerships, with key external partners and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with individuals/ organisations who make up the network of support around young people, including their families, carers, community supports, Department of Justice, schools, child protection, police etc.
• Acknowledged support for the horse welfare initiatives within the WA thoroughbred racing industry
• Personal values consistent with the values of the organisation.
• A current driver’s licence and working with children check.

Remuneration & Benefits:

This position attracts a competitive base salary + phone + tablet + superannuation + salary packaging. 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:

• A generous Professional Development Allowance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to our International Childhood Trauma Conference in Melbourne (If starting prior)

To Apply:

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

Please upload a copy of your resume and cover letter address the Key Selection Criteria within the advertisement.

For more information about the role or a copy of the position description please email Bree Roberts at [email protected] using the subject line: Team Leader - Off and Racing Youth Support Service 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.