A full-time ongoing opportunity is available within our Therapeutic Residential Care Program where you can make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged or vulnerable young people based in Preston, VIC.

About the Program:

This position is situated within the Therapeutic Residential Care (TRC) Program which is responsible for intensive and time-limited care for a child or young person in statutory care that responds to the complex impacts of abuse, neglect and separation from family. Therapeutic care is achieved through the creation of positive, safe, healing relationships and experiences informed by a sound understanding of trauma, attachment and developmental needs.

The Therapeutic Specialist provides therapeutic leadership and trauma informed interventions based on sound practice expertise and contemporary research that delivers positive outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

The Therapeutic Specialist is a member of the Clinical Program and reports to the Principal Practitioner.

About the role:

The primary objective of this role is to add value over and above the residential and case management aspects of the TRC program, by developing therapeutic strategies and plans for each individual child or young person, supporting and guiding staff in the implementation of these strategies and plans to facilitate the development of new skills and perspectives to help them expand their strengths to facilitate healing and recovery. The Therapeutic Practitioner will also collaborate with the care team to plan and implement processes that strengthen the child/young person’s relationship with their family and community.

About you:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline is essential. Post Graduate training in relevant child, adolescent and family clinical practice, family work and systemic thinking is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated practice knowledge areas relevant to work with traumatised and vulnerable children, young people and families which may include child development and the impact of trauma clinical work with children, young people and families, mental health, drug and alcohol, disability or other trauma related behaviours.
• Evidence of a well-developed understanding of Attachment and Trauma theories, the relationship to child abuse and neglect, together with an understanding of intellectual disability and an ability to assist others to understand the implications.
• Experience in completing assessments for children and young people and using the findings to complete a comprehensive therapeutic written report/care plan designed to inform staff and child interactions and the Care Team’s planning
• 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.
• A track record of working collaboratively and the demonstrated capacity to negotiate and liaise with internal and external stakeholders including other mental health providers, Department of Human Services, other agencies and the community.
• Evidence of a sophisticated understanding of the complexity of the child protection and out-of-home care service system and the issues involved in providing services to statutory clients.
• Understanding of and commitment to MacKillop objectives, values and Sanctuary Commitments
• A knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values and an awareness of the current issues faced by Aboriginal children, young people and their families.

Benefits on offer:

• Generous Salary Packaging of up to $15,900 (additional tax free allowance)
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program to support your wellbeing

You must have a:

• Valid and current Driver’s Licence
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check
• Valid Working with Children Check
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check or can provide proof of application up to 31 July 2021.

How to Apply:

Click 'Apply for this Job' where you will be redirected to the Therapeutic Specialist vacancy within MacKillop's careers page. On this page please refer to the How to Apply section at the bottom, this will take you to our recruitment portal.

Please make sure you address the selection criteria as outlined in the Position Description as part of your application.

NDIS Worker Screening Check: The Australian Government recently introduced the NDIS Worker Screening Check, an additional, national legislated compliance requirement to determine if a person is cleared to work with people with disability. MacKillop requires all client facing staff obtain the NDIS Worker Screening Check. An employment application will require the submission of evidence that this check has been attained or an application has been submitted.

For more information and how to apply please view: Victoria: Department of Justice and Community Safety

For any queries relating to the role, please contact Kerry O'Sullivan via email on kerry.o'[email protected], using the subject line: Therapeutic Specialist enquiry via EthicalJobs.