• 75 hours per fortnight, continuing position
• Horsham location

Take the next step in your career with CatholicCare Victoria.

About CatholicCare Victoria

CatholicCare Victoria is a leading and influential provider of charitable and social services in Victoria. The Mission of CatholicCare Victoria is to build communities that recognise and nurture the dignity of each person. Our employees share our Mission for a stronger, more inclusive society through supporting individuals, families and communities in times of need, especially those who are most disadvantaged, vulnerable and/or marginalised.

We deliver excellence in a broad range of child, family and youth services, family relationship services, school counselling and pastoral care services, social housing, employment and advocacy services across various office locations and delivery sites in Victoria.

We draw on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching to inspire and direct our endeavours. We value and respect human dignity, and embrace diversity in an inclusive work environment.

About the Position

CatholicCare Victoria’s Therapeutic Residential Care program provides accommodation and support to young people aged 12 to 18 years, who are referred through the Child Protection system.

The Therapeutic Residential Care program provides a trauma informed and healing care environment for up to two young people subject to a statutory order or a Voluntary Child Care Arrangement. Young people residing in the Therapeutic Residential Care home have experienced complex trauma including abuse, neglect, attachment disruptions, developmental trauma and separation from family, and may use pain-based behaviours that result in risk taking and challenging behaviours and dysregulation.

Senior House Worker works as part of a core care team including the Therapeutic Practitioner, Education and Vocation Specialist, Team Leader and House Workers, to provide full-time quality care for two young people in each care home. The staffing model requires House Workers rostered on at all times, providing care and support to two young people; using trauma informed, child centred, family focused therapeutic interventions.

Specifically, the position is responsible for:

• The leading House Workers to ensure the therapeutic environment in the care home provides a sense of safety, structure, acceptance and security at all times for the young people and for House Worker. Provide safety and the highest quality therapeutic care to the child and young person.
• Ensuring that the young people's rights and interests are protected at all times and act as an effective role model.
• Participation in rostered shifts, partnering with House Workers and taking the lead role on shift in support of House Workers to promote and provide homelike caring, a nurturing environment, and trauma informed therapeutic support, to assist young people develop a sense of security stability and trust.

Working with CatholicCare Victoria

At CatholicCare Victoria we offer:

• A family friendly working environment.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Salary packaging for eligible staff.

We embrace, value and respect an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.

We are committed to the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

To be considered for this position, you will require:

1. Degree qualification in Community Services, Counselling, Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline with relevant experience OR a Diploma with substantial experience in Community Services, Youth Work, Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline.
2. Demonstrated experience working therapeutically with young people and their families.
3. Demonstrated ability to lead, promote and facilitate a Care Team environment and flexibly respond to changing program requirements.

For further information and how to apply, visit our website www.catholiccarevic.org.au.

Enquiries to: Benita Marson, Manager, Victims Program & Youth Services on 5337 8937

Should you require cultural or other support in submitting your application, please contact our People and Culture Department on 03 5337 8999.

Should you require information in alternative formats, please contact our People and Culture Department on 03 5337 8999.

Directions from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer require all CatholicCare Victoria workers to have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 22 October 2021 and to be fully vaccinated by 26 November 2021, unless they are an Excepted Person as defined by the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Directions. All applicants must therefore be able to comply with this requirement.