• Greensborough and Eaglemont locations, in Wurundjeri Country
• Casual position offering approximately 13 hours per week, including afternoon and evening work
• Base hourly rate of $35.51 to $39.69 (inclusive of 25% casual loading), depending on qualification

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. Together.

The Opportunity

Berry Street are implementing an evidence-based model of care called the Teaching Family Model (TFM). TFM is a short term therapeutic behavioural program, which sees children living with highly trained carers, known as Practitioners, for 9-12 month. The TFM Practitioners, use teaching interactions targeted to reduce problem behaviours and increase prosocial 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 prosocial behaviours, increased social skills, accomplishment of age-appropriate tasks, and relationship development. After their time in the Program, the child is transitioned to home-based care, independent living or family. 

Key Responsibilities

A vital part of the implementation and sustainability of this model is supporting the full-time TFM Practitioners so they can take a well-earned break. We are currently seeking a Support Worker to work in our Northern Region to support our full time Practitioners. 

You must be available to attend 5 days paid skills based TFM training on July 15, 16, 20, 21 & 22 - if you aren't available on these dates please do not apply. This role is paid at either level 2 or 3 ($35.51 to $39.69), with staff at level 2 being unqualified and level 3 having completed a minimum of Cert IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention. We anticipate this role will be for a minimum 13 hours per week through to December 2021, with other potential opportunities to continue available at that stage for the right person.

About you

• You will have experience in the provision of care and support to young people with complex needs.
• You have knowledge of child development and experience working with clients who live with the impacts of trauma and neglect.
• You will exhibit empathy for the young people in our care in an open minded and non-judgemental manner. 

Development and training opportunities in the TFM model will be offered to the successful candidate.

The Benefits

• Salary packaging benefits to increase your take home pay, plus additional salary packaging available for meals/accommodation.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including access for staff members’ immediate family.
• A genuinely rewarding role that helps children and young people in our care to be their best selves.

How to Apply

Applications including resume and cover letter addressing your suitability for the position to be submitted by the closing date.

Applications will be viewed immediately, so don’t wait for the closing date and interviews will take place as soon as possible. 

Queries to Frances Head - Senior Manager, Teaching Family on 0455 587 197.

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 with a sexual and or gender minority identity. 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.