• Fixed-term contract to June 2027
• Full-time role available
• Traralgon and Morwell based role

About the Program

The Therapeutic Residential Care programs (TRC) seeks to provide a care context for 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 their trauma.

Therapeutic Residential Care is intensive and time-limited care for a child or young person in statutory care that responds to the complex impacts of abuse, neglect, and trauma. This is achieved through the creation of positive, safe, healing relationships and experiences informed by a sound understanding of trauma, damaged attachment, and developmental needs. Therapeutic residential care seeks to provide a healing environment for children and young people in statutory care that is sensitive and responsive to the trauma, attachment, loss and developmental history of that child or young person.

The model is underpinned by recognition of the importance of specialist supports, healthy relationships, and good communication between all stakeholders. The Therapeutic Specialist provides training and support to staff teams in trauma informed care and the development of programs for children and young people.

About the Role

The key role of the Therapeutic Specialist is to act as a specialist therapeutic consultant and practitioner within the therapeutic residential care program and for other children/young people referred to ACF. This position is a key member of the support team for residential care staff and other professionals working with the children and young people.

The Therapeutic Specialist is primarily responsible for the provision of specialist therapeutic support to the carers (residential) and other members of the care team, the delivery of specialised training about trauma and therapeutic care to professionals, carers, and volunteer support people, and direct therapeutic work with children/young people where appropriate. The position has a key leadership role with regard to the development and implementation of appropriate therapeutic support for each child/young person.

This position will work across two TRC homes in Traralgon as part of a broader program and partnership with Junction Support Services covering Inner Gippsland. The ACF Therapeutic Specialist will be co-located with Junction Support Services in Morwell.

About You

We are seeking an individual with:

• 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 working therapeutically with children and young people who have experienced trauma and have complex needs and presentations.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with volunteers, including 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 licence and working with children check or equivalent.

Remuneration and Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Salary Packaging: Customise your benefits to align with your financial goals.
• Company Provided Vehicle: For work and personal use (in line with the Foundations Driving ACF Vehicles Policy)
• Employee Assistance Program: Benefit from a range of support services for wellbeing.
• Guided Supervision: Regular individual and group supervision for clinical guidance.
• Collaborative Connections: Join a nationwide network of professionals making a difference.
• Resources Library: Access a wealth of knowledge and insights from leading experts.

To Apply

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: Therapeutic Specialist - Traralgon / Morwell 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 LGBITQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.