Therapeutic Specialists

Summary about this job

Detail information about job Therapeutic Specialists. Terms and conditions vacancy

Western Sydney and Northern NSW

(Psychologists, Social Workers, Family Therapists)

About the role

The Therapeutic Specialist role sits within MacKillop’s Clinical Services and reports through to the Principal Practitioner. The position will work as part of a team, to deliver clinical services for children, young people and families who are clients of MacKillop’s programs in Western Sydney and/or Northern NSW.  

The Therapeutic Specialist is responsible for guiding and supporting carer and staff interactions with children and young people, conducting assessments, developing therapeutic treatment plans and leading reflective practice to support carers and staff in their care for and work with the children in MacKillop’s Out of Home Care programs.

The Therapeutic Specialist, as part of the Clinical Services team, and as directed by the Principal Practitioner, will work closely with the Managers, program staff and other service partners in the management of complex cases and practice quality issues. This includes the provision of specialist expertise and assistance, case consultancy and review and the promotion of reflective and evidence based practice.

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 therapy and systemic thinking is strongly preferred.
• Current registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia or Masters level qualifications are valued   
• Experience in conducting 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 is preferred.
• Practice knowledge and experience relevant to working with traumatised and vulnerable children, young people and families such as: child development and the impact of trauma; including the ability to provide therapeutic and trauma informed interventions
• Experience working with Aboriginal children, families and communities is preferred, and an understanding of the challenges experienced in the Child Protection and Out of Home Care systems by Aboriginal children and families is strongly preferred
• Ability to provide consultation, training and advice to clinicians, other professionals, staff and carers
• A well-developed understanding of Attachment and Trauma Theories, their   relationship to child abuse and neglect, together with an understanding of social, emotional and cognitive disabilities and an ability to assist others to understand their implications
• 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, FACS, other agencies and the community.
• Demonstrable analytical problem solving skills, the ability to assess options and identify and implement creative, innovative and flexible solutions
• Evidence of a holistic 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
• Evidence of personal values consistent with the values of MacKillop Family Services including a willingness to embrace the Sanctuary Model and Principles.

Please refer to the full key selection criteria located in the position description before applying for the role. 

The positions are based in centres in Western Sydney and in Northern NSW and requires travel to other MacKillop sites. They are part of a great team environment in an evolving and growing values-driven organisation.

To apply email your resume, cover letter, employment application form and a document addressing the selection criteria to [email protected]

If you have any questions please contact Clive Price 0438 015 278 or 8881 4869

Applications close: Friday 20 July 2018