Therapeutic Specialist

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families
• Part-time (3 days per week) contract until March 2027 with a NFP organisation based in Warrnambool
• $110k - $114k + Super + Salary Packaging up to $15,900

About the opportunity
As a Therapeutic Specialist, you will utilise a trauma-informed, culturally safe and inclusive approach to support children and young people in the out-of-home care system. You will deliver therapeutic assessment and planning, counselling, and clinical guidance, while supporting care teams and parent/carers.
Working closely with therapeutic residential care providers, you will play a key role in supporting healing and recovery from trauma, enhancing care systems, and advocating for engagement in education, vocation and community programs.

Australian Childhood Foundation
The Australian Childhood Foundation is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children and young people to recover from the impacts of abuse, neglect, and family violence. We provide specialist therapeutic services, advocacy, and education programs underpinned by the latest research in neuroscience, attachment, and trauma. Our work is driven by a commitment to creating safe, supportive environments where every child can thrive.

About you - Key Selection Criteria:

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or a related discipline.
• Eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma, attachment and neurobiology frameworks and theories.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead and manage in an area of challenging and complex practice.
• Substantial experience in the area of child abuse and/or working with traumatised children.
• Knowledge of and expertise in delivering a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions to children, young people and their families.
• Highly developed ability to provide secondary consultation and advice to clinicians and other professionals.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively and positively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to a learning culture and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and responsively in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively, maintaining effective relationships and partnerships, and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with individuals who make up the network of support around children and young people, including their families, carers, Department of Education, child protection, other agencies and the community.
• Personal values consistent with the values of the organisation.
• A current driver’s license and working with children check.

What we offer

• Salary Packaging – Increase your take-home pay with up to $15,900 of tax-free benefits.
• Wellbeing Support – Access to confidential Employee Assistance program
• National Network – Connect with a passionate professional community across Australia.
• Values-Driven Culture: Be part of a trauma-informed, child-focused organisation that puts children’s needs and voices at the centre of everything we do.
• Real Impact – Contribute to innovative programs that create meaningful change for children, young people and families.
• Guided Supervision – Regular individual and group supervision to support your growth.

To learn more about our work and the impact we’re making for children and families, please visit: https://www.childhood.org.au/

To Apply:
If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of children, please click APPLY and attach a copy of your current resume along with a cover letter, addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria.
🔎 For a copy of the Position Description please visit: https://auschildhood.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/sites/HumanResourcesHub/Shared Documents/External Access/Position Description/PD - Therapeutic Specialist Warrnambool VN480.pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=VyPQLp

Applications close on 15 May 2026, unless a suitable candidate is appointed earlier.

Australian Childhood Foundation is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment including National Police Check, Working with Children Checks and additional State based program checks.
Australian Childhood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with a disability are strongly encouraged to apply. Members of the LGBITQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.