• Make a difference in the lives of children
• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package including phone, tablet and salary packaging
• Eastern suburbs location – Full time or part time

The Australian Childhood Foundation has a strong reputation for delivery of clinical services, professional training and secondary consultation programs built upon up to date and evidence 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 the therapeutic care programs.

The role can be a combination of two positions, or split in two part time roles:

The Navigator Program Outer East is a partnership between Uniting, VACCA and Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF). The program will utilise a trauma informed, culturally safe assertive case management model to respond to challenges experienced by young people aged 12 – 17 years with the goal of re-engaging students in education. The model includes trauma informed comprehensive assessments, case management and active hold services and training and development for school staff. The Navigator team will consist of 4 Navigator Case Managers from Uniting and VACCA, and an ACF Educational Therapeutic Specialist.

The ACF Educational Therapeutic Specialist plays a key role in providing educational needs assessments (ENA’s) for young people referred to the program, developing recommendations and plans to support their re-engagement into education. Trauma Informed Classroom Coaching will also be provided into schools to support educators to create safe and nurturing therapeutic learning environments for young people who find it challenging to engage in school settings. This will include supporting the implementation and embedding of recommendations made in Educational Needs Assessments for specific young people.

The Circle therapeutic foster care program seeks to provide a care context for children and young people who have experienced abuse related trauma that addresses the impact of the trauma on the child’s emotional, psychological, behavioural and social functioning. Through the provision of care that has a deliberate therapeutic intent, the placement seeks to actively promote the recovery of the child from the effects of his/her trauma.

The major elements of the Circle program include the provision of an enriched, therapeutically intentional environment throughout all interactions. This will be achieved by an inclusive care team approach, the provision of specialised therapeutic support and training to carers and network members and the engagement of a volunteer support network for the child and significant others. Central to the Circle program is the care team comprised of the carer, foster care worker, specialist therapeutic consultant and other key stakeholders such as family, school and other relevant professionals.

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 knowledge of trauma, attachment and neurobiology frameworks and theories.
• Knowledge of and expertise in delivering a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions to children, young people and their families.
• Highly developed ability to provide secondary consultation and advice to clinicians and other professionals.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively and positively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to a learning culture and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and responsively in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively, maintain effective relationships and partnerships, and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with individuals who make up the network of support around children and young people, including their families, carers, Department of Education, child protection, other agencies and the community.
• 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:

• Professional Development allowance
• Employee Assistance Program

For more information about the role or a copy of the position description please email [email protected] using the subject line: Therapeutic Specialist - Circle / Navigator enquiry via EthicalJobs.