• Are you passionate about working with foster carers, children and young people?
• Work within a supportive, multi-disciplinary team
• Richmond Head Office, Northern suburbs work locations

THE ROLE

Lighthouse Foundation's Foster Care Program is a therapeutic program designed to meet the complex emotional and psychological needs of children and young people in home-based care. The Therapeutic Case Manager is responsible for creating a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment that acts in the best interests of the child or young person. The role is to support and supervise foster carers in providing the day-to-day care of the child or young person aged 0 - 18 years and to organise and lead their care team using the Lighthouse Model of Care.

A key element of the Lighthouse’s unique and innovative program is the creation of a sense of community through a ‘Hub’ home where carers gather for therapeutic support and assistance with both emotional and practical needs. Be part of a community where carers and young people receive the quality therapeutic support they need to thrive in their role.

This role will work towards creating positive and long-lasting effects on children and young people in our care, attracting, retraining and developing trauma informed foster carers to reduce placement breakdowns for those in their care.

WHO ARE WE?

Lighthouse Foundation provides homes and therapeutic care programs to children and young people impacted by long-term neglect, abuse, and homelessness. Our focus is to create caring communities where kids can feel safe, form meaningful relationships, and begin to heal from traumatic experiences.

For the past 30 years, our proven Model of Care has successfully transformed the lives of over 1,000 young people using a range of evidence-based strategies. We now educate and support Foster Carers in the same way, so that they too can take care of some of Australia’s most vulnerable children.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

• Be part of a team who provide foster carers with a consistent circle of support, sense of community and the therapeutic care they need to look after some of Victoria's most vulnerable children.
• Be guided to care for young people, through gaining an understanding of trauma informed care, attachment theory and contemporary psychoanalytic theory.
• Receive ongoing training and development through the Lighthouse Institute and reflective practice groups
• Receive regular and consistent supervision through your team leader and clinical supervisor.
• Be part of an organisation who care about young people and value your contribution

WHAT DO I NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL?

From a professional standpoint you will require:

• Understanding of the challenges that children / young people in out of home care experience
• Understanding of trauma informed practice, psychodynamic and attachment theory
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work autonomously and within a team environment
• Commitment to and understanding of the vision and work of Lighthouse Foundation
• Ability to plan, prioritise workloads and meet deadlines as required
• Experience with conflict resolution and mediation
• Demonstrated commitment to personal and professional development

Other key skills which would be desirable:

• Experience working in home-based care, with children and young people
• Experience in case management
• Experience in foster care, personally or professionally

For this role you will please note you will also need:

• Minimum Bachelor Level Qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or related field
• Current driver’s licence
• Valid first aid certificate (if necessary) (or willingness to obtain one)
• Criminal Records check
• Current Working with Children check
• Step by Step registration and Shared Lives facilitator (desirable)

APPLICATION PROCESS

We welcome your application and ask that you please review the attached position description, provide your Resume and Application letter, broadly addressing the key selection criteria highlighted.

To submit your application, click Apply Now.

Lighthouse celebrates diversity and affirm the right of access, equity, and equality for every young person, staff member and volunteer in the Lighthouse Community. Our organisation is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We also practice from a position of cultural safety and awareness, across diverse languages, religions, and cultures. we respect, respond and continue to learn about the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Lighthouse Foundation is a Child Safe Organisation, we are committed to a thoughtful and protective environment that supports our babies, children and young people to feel safe and respected, and to build their capacity to feel deeply cared for and important to other human beings.

A position description is attached.