Educational Therapeutic Specialist

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, young people and families
• Part-time opportunity (2 days per week) based in Sale and Bairnsdale, with travel across Outer Gippsland
• Fixed-term contract until 31 December 2027

About the opportunity
The Navigator Program, a Department of Education initiative, offers intensive case management and assertive outreach support to young people disengaged from education. The program is delivered in partnership with Uniting Gippsland, the Department of Education and the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) and employs a trauma-informed, culturally safe assertive case management model. This collaborative effort focuses on re-engaging students in education through comprehensive services, including case management, mental health support, trauma-informed education assessments, active hold services, and training for school staff.

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, or a related discipline.
• Eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma, attachment, developmental, disability and neurobiology frameworks and theories.
• 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 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 licence 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:/s/HumanResourcesHub/IQAnKZ6zX8eNSJMCB1LsK_QLASfjpEO49-eBPAupfdAJ4B4?e=5lynTC

Applications close on 25 November 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.