About the role

The Principal Practitioner will work in partnership with programs and external stakeholders in the management of complex children, youth and family cases and provide specialist expertise and assistance, case consultancy and review, promote and deliver reflective and evidence based practice, and develop and deliver therapeutic practice training across the organisation.

Primary objectives of the role include:

• Provide clinical practice leadership and evidence informed interventions, associated briefing and reporting based on practice expertise and contemporary research that delivers positive outcomes for vulnerable children and families, particularly regarding the most high risk, complex and sensitive cases.
• Apply a child centred family focused approach when assessing and addressing the needs of children and their families providing support that is coordinated, builds on strengths as individuals and as a family, improves their relationships with each other and is focused on concerns affecting the whole family.
• Work in collaboration and close communication with the Directors of Operations and other internal and external service partners in the management of complex cases and practice quality. This includes the provision of specialist expertise and assistance, case consultancy and review and the promotion and delivery of reflective and evidence-based practice.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports, briefings and submissions on complex service, practice, policy and operational matters.
• In consultation with the Director Clinical Services develop and foster relationships with key stakeholders including government, community, partner agencies to ensure the best outcomes for clients.

Key selection criteria include:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline and Post Graduate qualifications/training in relevant child, adolescent and family clinical practice, family work and systemic thinking.
• Evidence of leadership experience in Clinical Services or a related function.
• Evidence of specialist practice knowledge and application of an area relevant to work with traumatised and vulnerable children, young people and families including but not limited to child development and the impact of trauma, clinical work with children, young people and families, mental health, drug and alcohol, disability
• Evidence of a well-developed understanding of Attachment and Trauma theories and an ability to assist others in understanding and applying these theories to practice.
• Established high level ability to provide secondary consultation, training and advice to clinicians, other professionals, staff and carers
• Proven highly developed interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and excellent engagement skills, especially in engaging children and young people who have experienced significant trauma, disrupted attachment and demonstrate extreme emotional and behavioural dysregulation.

For a full listing, please review the attached position description.

For more information, please contact Kerry O’Sullivan, on 0409 232 929.