Join the Australian Childhood Foundation as a Therapeutic Specialist

• Part-time fixed term contract position for 12 months (0.9 FTE/4.5 days per week)
• Competitive salary benefits package
• Make a difference in the lives of children

Senior Child Counsellor – Pathways to Resilience Program

The Australian Childhood Foundation has a strong reputation for delivery of therapeutic services, professional training and secondary consultation built upon up-to-date evidence based theoretical frameworks including the neurobiology of trauma, attachment and relational theories and child development. This theoretical framework provides the foundation upon which all elements of care and intervention are provided by the Foundations Therapeutic Services.

The Foundation currently provides a range of therapeutic services and programs  in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory.

About the Role:

The Pathways to Resilience program focuses on addressing impacts of family violence to ensure children and families are safe, heal from their experiences of violence and develop resilience into the future. The Pathways to Resilience program is delivered in partnership between ACF, Uniting and EACH in Southern Melbourne, and ACF, Uniting, EACH, FAN and Safe Futures in Outer Eastern Melbourne.  This role will work across the Outer Eastern Pathways to Resilience Program and the Southern Metro Pathways to Resilience Program.

Within the program, the Senior Child Counsellor position is employed and managed by ACF. This role provides counselling to address the impacts of family violence for children, young people, and their parents/carers. The role also has a clinical leadership focus with regard to the development and implementation of appropriate therapeutic support for children and young people within their particular care setting, including out of home care, and works closely with professionals and parents/carers to develop trauma- informed therapeutic approaches to support children and young people recovering from family violence.


To be successful in this role you will need (Key Selection Criteria):

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work, or a related discipline.
• Eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and direct service in the clinical assessment and treatment of children, young people and families.
• Highly developed ability to provide secondary consultation and advice to clinicians and other professionals.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead and manage in an area of challenging and complex practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma, attachment and neurobiology frameworks and theories.
• Substantial experience in the area of child abuse and/or in working with traumatised children.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with children, young people, parents, families, DFFH, other agencies and the community.
• A sophisticated understanding of the complexity of the service system and the issues involved in providing services to statutory clients.
• A current Victorian driver’s licence or equivalent.
• A current Working with Children check or equivalent.

Remuneration & Benefits:

This position attracts a competitive base salary + phone + tablet + superannuation + salary packaging.  The salary is determined on the basis of the employee’s experience and qualifications. 

• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a salary that reflects your experience and qualifications.
• Salary Packaging: Personalise how you receive your rewards to suit your financial goals.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access a wide range of support services to enhance your well-being.
• Individual and Group Supervision: Benefit from regular sessions providing clinical guidance and support.
• Collaborative Connections: Join forces with our Australian-wide ACF Therapeutic Services Teams, a network of professionals committed to making a difference.
• Access to an Extensive Resources Library: Dive into a wealth of knowledge and insights from leading experts in the field, continually enhancing your impact.

To Apply:

To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and include Reference number VN336.

Applications close Thursday 5pm 28 November 2024.
For inquiries about the role or to request a copy of the position description, please contact HR at [email protected]. 

Join us in creating a brighter future for children and young people. Apply today!

ACF is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

ACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. All are strongly encouraged to apply.