• Ballarat location in Wadawurrung Country
• Full time, permanent role
• Salary package equivalent up to $84k pa plus penalties (inclusive of base salary - $69k, super and tax 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 are implementing an evidence-based model of care called the Teaching Family Model (TFM). TFM is a therapeutic behavioural program, which sees children living with highly trained staff, known as Practitioners in a home setting. The TFM Practitioners, use teaching interactions, relationships and skills building which is targeted to reduce challenging behaviours and increase pro-social behaviours.

The model is trauma informed and helps young people identify personal stressors and develop appropriate self-regulation techniques. Overall, goals of the program include reduced problem behaviours, increased pro-social behaviours, increased social skills, accomplishment of age-appropriate tasks, and relationship development.

The Senior Practitioner will play a leadership role in the team with the Lead Practitioner, TFM Consultant and Take Two Clinician, to ensure continuity of care for the young people in the home and the delivery of client focused tasks. The role of the Senior TFM Practitioner is to use the TFM model to create lasting behavioural change for young people.

Teaching Family Model homes are staffed on a 24/7 roster. We are transitioning one of our Residential homes into a TFM home.

Available line:

Week 1- Monday 7.30am - 3pm, Tuesday 8am -5pm, Wednesday 8am -4pm, Thursday 8am - 4pm Saturday 4pm - 11pm, Sunday 3.30pm -11pm

Week 2 - Monday 4pm -11pm, Wednesday 8am - 4pm, Thursday 8am - 3pm, Friday 8am -3pm

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure an environment that provides a sense of safety, structure, acceptance and security at all times for children and young people and for staff.
• To take shared responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the home in accordance with Berry Street Values, Policies, Guidelines and Practice Standards and Practice Manuals/directions.
• Work towards mastering 11 TFM concepts over a yearlong accreditation process, through engagement with intensive training, coaching and feedback processes.
• Work collaboratively with the team, to ensure children in care experience a loving and consistent approach.

About You

A Cert IV in Children, Youth & Family Intervention is mandatory at a minimum or other relevant qualification in Social Work, Youth Work, Community Services. Completion of (or willingness to complete) mandatory upskilling units as required by Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is also essential.

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 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 addressing your suitability for the role to be submitted by clicking Apply Now. 

A position description is attached.

Queries to Sam Turmine Senior Manager, Residential Care Services - 03 5330 5042  

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.