Join the Australian Childhood Foundation as a Full time Therapeutic Specialist - ACT Together consortium.

• Full-time 12 months fixed term contract
• Not-for-Profit organisation, make a positive difference in children's lives
• Attractive salary, access to salary packaging and excellent benefits 

About The Opportunity:

The Australian Childhood Foundation has joined forces with some of Australia’s most respected child welfare organisations (Barnardos and OzChild) to create ACT Together, a consortium  providing support services to children and young people in the Australian Capital Territory. ACT Together aims to reduce the duplication between different government and non-government agencies and ensure better provision of stable, long-term care for children and young people.
The Foundation is responsible in collaboration with other consortium members for delivering the specialist therapeutic services within these programs. The position is located in Canberra.

The Role:

The key role of the Therapeutic Specialist is to act as a specialist therapeutic consultant and practitioner within the ACT Together programs. This position is a key member of the care team developed for each child referred for long term work. The Therapeutic Specialist is primarily responsible for the provision of specialist therapeutic support to the carers and other members of the child’s care team, the delivery of specialised training about trauma and therapeutic care to carers and key stakeholders of the ACT Together consortium, and direct therapeutic work with children. The position has a clinical leadership role with regard to the development and implementation of appropriate therapeutic support for children and young people for whom ACT Together is responsible. This position sits in the foster care/kinship care programs.

To be successful in this role you will need (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 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 young people.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with volunteers, including carers, child protection services, 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 ACT driver’s license or equivalent.

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.

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 your resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and include Reference number VN323.

Applications may close earlier than listed closing date if a candidate is successful.

For inquiries about the role or to request a copy of the position description, please contact HR at [email protected]. 

Join us in creating a brighter future for children and young people. Apply today!

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. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. All are strongly encouraged to apply.