The job

Are you interested in a casual role working with challenging teenagers from backgrounds of complex trauma and helping them move from the foster care system back to their families? Are you interested in being part of an evidence-based program that transforms young peoples’ lives?

The Skills Coach helps young people build their skills in being able to socialise, relate to others and improve their emotional regulation and is part of a motivated team of professionals implementing Treatment Foster Care Oregon (TFCO), evidence-based intervention which is making a lasting difference in the lives of young people and their families.

What will you do?

• Work with teenagers aged 12-17 years with complex and challenging behaviours to provide a consistent, reinforcing environment in which pro-social skills are learned and practiced.
• Spend at least 2 hours out in the community every week with each teenager 1:1 doing active, fun activities.
• Work closely with a positive, solution-oriented and supportive team and attend a weekly team meeting in Blacktown.
• Transport the young people in your car to and from sessions.
• Solve problems, using your creativity and sense of humour and plan engaging sessions that build the young people’s social skills and emotional regulation skills.
• Ensure this behavioural model is delivered with fidelity.
• Write comprehensive notes of your sessions, and update reports and schedules weekly.

What we ask for:

• Experience with and a genuine interest in working or volunteering with young people will be highly regarded.
• Willing and able to engage in outdoor physical activities such as swimming, football, cycling, bushwalking and motivate the young person to engage.
• Ability to engage young people with challenging behaviour and build a therapeutic relationship.
• Willing to learn and follow the TFCO behavioural therapy model (you will be trained in this).
• Current driving licence and own car (essential) and willing to transport young people in your car.
• Available every Thursday morning from 9-12 in Blacktown for a mandatory meeting, and available 2-3 afternoons every week from approximately 2-6pm for after school sessions on a casual basis.
• You will work 1:1 with the same young people weekly for up to 12 months - consistency and reliability is key, so we are looking for people who can commit to the role for at least 1 year.
• Willing to be an exemplary role model so kind, calm and patient, punctual, sees the best in everyone, health focussed, no smoking, swearing, junk food or phone use in sessions.

Why apply?

• Casual role with some flexibility in hours.
• A laptop and phone are provided.
• Hourly rates plus casual loading.
• You will be trained and mentored in the model and learn important skills.
• Great role for students working towards psychology, social science or social work.
• Casual roles offering work-life balance.
• An evidence base with over 30 years of research behind it.
• Work in and around the Blacktown area.
• Help children and young people transition back to family.

OzChild is committed to the employment of Aboriginal people and providing a work environment in which Aboriginal peoples' cultures, beliefs and values are acknowledged and respected, and in which the individual career goals and personal aims of Aboriginal staff are identified, promoted and achieved.

OzChild is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals of diverse backgrounds to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, those from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and LGBTIQ communities

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a police check and provide a WWCC card for NSW.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to provide evidence of their COVID vaccination status.

How to Apply

You can apply for the role today by clicking Apply Now.

We will commence interviews and assessments as received prior to the closing date, so get your application to us as soon as possible!

Please submit a resume with a cover letter that describes your passion, values and commitment to working with vulnerable young people and families.

A position description is attached.

For more information, a confidential discussion about the role or simply to ask a question, contact Cathy Bastick on 0477 677 349 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Skills Coach enquiry via EthicalJobs.