• Northern location in Wurundjeri Country
• Permanent part time role available
• Salary range between $57-64k base rates plus relevant penalty rates, super and salary packaging benefits

For over 140 years, Berry Street has adapted to a changing world, and we will continue to adapt to achieve our purpose. We believe children, young people and families should be safe, thriving and hopeful. Our Vision for 2022: Together we will courageously change lives and reimagine service systems. We look forward to working with children, young people, families, carers, staff and partners to achieve this vision.

The Opportunity

Berry Street's Residential Care Program provides accommodation, a high standard of physical & emotional care and support to children and young people aged from 10 years old up to 17 years old in a Residential care setting. These children/young people have been placed under Child Protection orders and are referred to Berry Street because other Out of Home Care placement opportunities have not been viable.

The role is richly rewarding, but as is the case with such jobs, presents with its own challenges too. Working therapeutically with children and young people means supporting them to be their best selves, helping them learn, grow and develop with autonomy to make positive choices for their future.

As we work a 24/7 roster, there are a variety of day shifts available (generally between 7am to 11pm) and overnight shifts (11pm to 7pm).

Available line:

Week 1: Saturday 4pm - 11pm, Sunday 4.30pm - 11pm

Week 2: Monday 3.30pm -11pm, Tuesday 1pm - 5pm. Wednesday 8am - 3pm, Saturday 8am - 3.30pm, Sunday 8am - 3.30pm

Key Responsibilities

• Learn and implement current best practice in therapeutic interventions for children and young people with regards to trauma and attachment.
• Contribute and participate in various education, living, social and recreational skills activities as developed in the plans for children and young people to meet their individual needs.
• Clear communication and record keeping, including report writing.

About You

• A team worker – ability to work with various stakeholders, share ideas with a constructive approach to reach common goals focusing on the best interests of the young person.
• Great at relationship building – listening and giving your time. Respecting yourself and others and have professional boundaries.
• Flexibility – be open to new ideas, cope with unexpected change and multitask with ease. Be creative in your thinking and approach each task without judgement and confidence.
• Creative in your thinking and approach life without judgement and confidence.
• You hold a drivers licence (minimum green P’s) as the role will transport young people from time to time

A minimum Cert IV in Child, Youth & Family Intervention or other higher level qualification in Social Work/Youth Work equivalent is essential. However Berry Street will employ applicants who commit to enrolling in a relevant qualification.

• Applicants must also complete the mandatory upskilling units as required by Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Continuing employment is dependent on satisfactory evidence provided prior to 6 months of being engaged in the role.

Why Choose Us:

• Salary packaging available for meals/accommodation for all our staff making your take home pay even better.
• Investment in you! As a Learning Organisation, there are so many opportunities for development that we offer you, including a comprehensive learning pathway in Child, Youth & Family Intervention.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including access for staff members’ immediate family.
• Opportunities for career growth.

How to Apply

Applications including resume and one-page cover letter expressing your interest in the role to be submitted by clicking Apply Now.

A position description is attached.

Queries to Stephanie Wilkie, Acting Team Leader Residential Care on 03 9450 4700.

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National Police Check.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Aboriginal people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.

“Berry Street is categorised as an Authorised Provider and this position is considered authorised work and subject to mandatory Covid-19 vaccination and safety requirements. You will be asked about your vaccination or exemption status and any accompanying evidence should your application proceed.”