• Mid North Coast, NSW

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

CASPA is a not-for-profit organisation providing a range of specialised care services for children, young people and families with complex mental health and trauma-based presentations, and for people with disabilities. Our programs include Therapeutic Residential Care, Intensive Family Preservation, Therapeutic Foster Care, Restoration and other associated care types. We are a registered NDIS provider and also provide Bail Hostels for Children and Young People aged 12-17 to support diversionary practice from the criminal justice system. We also provide a range of Family and Transition from Care Support and Education support programs. We are a growing and diversifying organisation.

Our most current and exciting venture includes the significant expansion of our services into the Northern Territory, and as such exciting remote work placement and secondment opportunities will exist within the roles we are offering, especially for those within clinical roles. We have approximately 450 employees working in communities across NSW, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. We want to employ people who reflect the diversity of our young people to ensure we can support each individual need and want. We value equal employment opportunity and encourage people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and people with disability to apply.

We are looking for someone with prior experience working with children and young people who have experienced trauma and whose values align with ours: 'Inspiring People to Thrive.'

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Therapeutic Specialist to join our Mid North Coast team in Coffs Harbour, NSW on a part-time 20 hour per week basis. The Therapeutic Specialist plays a critical role in overseeing and coordinating the functions within the Intensive Therapeutic Care programs undertaken by CASPA Services Ltd. You will demonstrate commitment to the care and protection of children and young people, and all elements of therapeutic care are consistently applied across programs, services and practice. A high level of cultural competency is extremely important for these roles, prior experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people will be highly regarded.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate as required in intake, assessment and outcome processes and panels for children and young people in CASPA’s Programs
• Develop and review of the Clinical Formulations, Therapeutic Support Plans and Treatment Plans for Children and Young People in CASPA’s Programs (Residential Care, Foster Care, Interim Care, Restorations and Family Preservation)
• Collaborate with Caseworkers and House Leaders in CASPA’s teams and provide expert advice around high risk Safety Plans and Case Plans
• Engage young people in CASPA’s Programs and complete thorough assessments of behaviour, mental health, risk, and psychosocial functioning
• Support specialist referrals and deliver therapy sessions with children, young people and families when appropriate
• Provide intensive psychoeducation and training and facilitate “case clinical” meetings for Caseworkers, Hub Managers, House Leaders and Residential Workers and/or Foster Carers within CASPA’s Programs
• Managing a caseload of up to 16 young people across the residential care, foster care and family preservation Territory Programs
• Utilise creative skillsets in planning, organising, facilitating, and evaluating CASPA’s evidence-informed Programs that are conducive to the specific therapeutic needs of our young people
• Contribute to the overall development of the services provided by CASPA’s Clinicians and Therapeutic Specialists

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Mental Health Nursing and/or similar
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with children, young people and families with trauma backgrounds. Membership (or eligibility for membership) with a nationally accredited association such as PACFA, ACA, AHPRA, AASW, APA
• Detailed knowledge of, and practice in implementing multiple evidenced based therapies for children and young people
• Significant experience using evidence based assessment tools with young people with trauma informed behaviour and using resultant assessments to inform planning
• Detailed knowledge of human behaviour and the manner in which early childhood trauma affects children and young people
• Skills in completing assessments of behaviour, mental health, risk, and functioning
• Experience in developing biopsychosocial case formulations and comprehensive treatment plans
• Successful candidates will be required to clear probity checks including National Criminal History Record Check, Child Protection Check and Working with Children Check.

BENEFITS

• CASPA actively supports staff to have a healthy work life balance
• Free gym membership to support your wellbeing as well as a fully established team of therapists and clinicians for your personal wellbeing support
• Access to internal and external training opportunities and workplace mentoring including you own clinical supervision sessions.
• Great professional development opportunities for those who want career progression
• An Employee Assistance Program, a free and confidential counselling service
• As a not-for-profit organisation, our employees are able to take advantage of salary packaging to receive up to $15,900 of their salary tax-free, as well as additional meal and entertainment benefits
• Growing organisation with great career opportunities

HOW TO APPLY

Click Apply Now to submit your application. Applications will be assessed as received, a comprehensive Induction including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training is offered for all positions with CASPA.

To ensure that your application is reviewed, include a current Resume, together with a Cover Letter that outlines your suitability using the selection criteria for this role.

For further information, and to obtain the attached position description for this role or visit CASPA's Careers page https://caspacareers.connxcareers.com.