Child & Youth Specialist

Putting children's voices, safety and wellbeing first.

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people impacted by domestic and family violence?

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Child & Youth Specialist to join our Family Violence Services team in the Inner West. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of infants, children and young people who have experienced family violence and sexual violence, recognising them as victim-survivors.

About the role

Working collaboratively with case managers, staff and external service providers, you will support children's safety, healing and wellbeing through trauma-informed interventions, therapeutic activities and family-focused support.

You will also provide specialist guidance, consultation and coaching to staff to strengthen child-focused practice across the service.

This is a part-time position (4 days per week) offered on a maximum-term contract until June 2027. Flexibility around working days may be considered for the right candidate. Remuneration will be in accordance with the SCHADS Award Level 5.

Due to the nature of this service, to identify as a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for this position under s.31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

How you will make an impact

• Coordinate and deliver specialist, child-centred therapeutic support to children and young people aged 0–18 years and their caregivers.

• Deliver child-focused casework, therapeutic interventions and group activities for children and caregivers.
• Engage children through play and age-appropriate approaches to assess developmental needs and the impacts of trauma.
• Conduct child-specific risk assessments and develop safety and support plans.
• Support children and caregivers to strengthen relationships, connection and wellbeing.
• Provide specialist advice, consultation and coaching to staff on child safety, risk and trauma-informed practice.
• Advocate for children's voices, rights and best interests in Family Law and Child Protection matters.
• Develop child-centred case plans and coordinate referrals to therapeutic and community services.
• Build partnerships to ensure coordinated, culturally responsive and holistic support for families.

What you will bring

• Degree qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Welfare, Social Sciences or a related discipline.
• Specialist training or experience working therapeutically with children.
• Demonstrated experience supporting children and families impacted by trauma and family violence.
• Strong understanding of the impacts of family violence on children's safety, development and wellbeing.
• Experience working with culturally diverse families and people with complex support needs.
• Strong assessment, therapeutic engagement, communication and collaboration skills.
• A commitment to child-centred, trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice.

Essential requirements

• Current Working with Children Check.
• Current driver's licence.
• Willingness to participate in a rostered after-hours on-call arrangement, remaining within one hour of the service location when on call.

What we offer

The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including: 

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts.

Join our team

This is an opportunity to champion children's voices, support healing and recovery, and help create safer futures for children and families impacted by family violence.

If you are passionate about ensuring every child feels safe, heard and supported, we would love to hear from you!

Apply now and help make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration