This is a unique opportunity to provide direct therapeutic support to young people in Ashley Youth Detention Centre and children living in care while also building the capacity of the staff and carers who support them.

As part of this role, you'll have free access to training through the Centre for Excellence in Therapeutic Care - specialist learning designed to support trauma-responsive practice in residential care and youth justice. You'll also have the opportunity to attend The Foundation's International Childhood Trauma Conference, where global leaders share the latest in trauma and therapeutic care.

What's on offer

• Full-time (1.0 FTE), fixed term for 18 months, with the possibility of extension subject to funding
• Competitive salary aligned with your experience and qualifications
• Access to salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• Some travel within Tasmania, with vehicle opportunities or car allowance available by negotiation.

About the role

This role is part of the Australian Childhood Foundation's Therapeutic Services program, which provides direct therapeutic support to children and young people and works alongside the adults who care for them, helping to build their confidence and understanding in responding to trauma.

You will:

• Spend three days per week at Ashley Youth Detention Centre, providing therapeutic support to individual young people and specialist consultation to staff to help them embed trauma-responsive care into their daily work
• Spend two days per week at the Foundation's Launceston office, providing therapeutic support to children in care through Salaried Care Packages
• Play a leadership role in strengthening the broader service system's understanding and use of therapeutic approaches for children and young people who have experienced significant trauma

This work at Ashley Youth Detention Centre is connected to a broader project led by the Centre for Excellence in Therapeutic Care, giving you free access to training and professional development opportunities that are tailored to working in therapeutic care and youth justice settings.

About you

We are looking for someone who has:

• A tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work, or a related discipline
• Experience providing therapeutic support to children, young people and families affected by trauma
• Strong skills in providing secondary consultation and therapeutic guidance to staff and carers
• Experience leading practice in complex environments
• Strong knowledge of trauma, attachment, and neurobiology frameworks
• Experience working therapeutically with children and young people with complex needs and presentations
• Confidence in building collaborative relationships with carers, agencies, and government partners
• A strong understanding of the service system and the realities of working with statutory clients
• A current driver's licence

What you'll gain:

• Competitive salary, based on your experience and qualifications
• Access to salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• A laptop and mobile phone to support your work
• Regular reflective supervision (individual and group) to help process and manage the complexities of the role
• Opportunities to connect with Therapeutic Services teams across Australia for shared learning and practice development
• Free access to training through the Centre for Excellence in Therapeutic Care, keeping you up to date with evidence-informed approaches
• The opportunity to attend The Foundation's International Childhood Trauma Conference, expanding your knowledge and professional network

How to apply:

To apply, please attach a copy of your:

• Updated Resume
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

For more information - including a copy of the position description and salary details - contact our HR team at [email protected] using the subject line: Therapeutic Specialist - Youth Justice and Out-of-Home Care - Launceston 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. 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.