ITC Therapeutic Specialist (Identified Role)

Wandiyali is a Newcastle-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community Organisation. Our services operate throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Region and Port Stephens.

The aim of Wandiyali and its services is to ‘Keep our Culture Strong’. We do this by focusing our services on children, families, strength, Culture, and community.

Are you looking for a meaningful career that makes a difference in the world within a growing Organisation and not just a job?

Are you passionate about supporting children and their families to thrive? Are you looking for a workplace with a collaborative and supportive culture that encourages and practices work-life balance to promote well-being for all team members?

Then this may be the job for you!

The Opportunity

The primary function of the Therapeutic Specialist in Intensive Therapeutic Care (ITC) is to provide therapeutic expertise and leadership within Wandiyali ITC services. The position will hold responsibility in overseeing the development, training, and implementation of therapeutic interventions and support to vulnerable children and young people in a residential setting. The Lead Therapeutic specialist holds responsibility relating to the development of therapeutic strategies and plans for each individual child or young person, oversees training, support and guides staff in the implementation of these strategies and plans as well as works closely with both internal positions and other service partners in the management of complex cases and practice quality issues. The Lead Therapeutic Specialist also holds responsibility to,

• Support to maintain Culturally rich placements for children and young people in care


• Ensure that Wandiyali ITC Service provision aligns with.
  
  
  
  • Legislated hierarchy of care models,
  
  
  • The 10 Essential Elements of Intensive Therapeutic Care,
  
  
  • Children’s Guardian accreditation requirements,
  
  
  • Business planning and industry best practices
  
  
  • Wandiyali funding contracts, as well as
  
  
  • The Cultural, social, and emotional well-being of employees, children, and young people as well as their families connected to Wandiyali’s ITC Services.
  
  
  
  

The Benefits

As a Wandiyali PSP ITC Lead Therapeutic Specialist, you benefit from additional career development support including,

· 12 weeks induction.

· Ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement.

· After the initial induction period, work from home options may be agreed.

You will be supported to maintain family connections and well-being through,

· 5 weeks of annual leave.

· Option to take 1 day of accrued time off leave per month, and

· Time off in lieu arrangements

You will also have the option to reduce tax and cost of living expenses through,

· Salary Packaging of up to $15,900 each FBT year

· Meal and Entertainment Salary Sacrifice of up to $2,650 each FBT year

· Employee Benefits programs providing discounts on a large variety of consumer services and products.

If you are looking for a career that is dedicated to truly making positive change and you have experience working with Aboriginal children, young people, families, or communities we would like to hear from you.

How to Apply To apply

For this position please attach:

· A current resume

· A cover letter introducing yourself, and the below;

•Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Social Science or related discipline or equivalent industry related experience in the Field of Psychology, Social Work, Counselling.

•Identifies as Aboriginal or/and Torres Strait Islander or have proven knowledge and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the community.

•Proven track record in supporting children and young people in out-of-home care or ITC settings.

•Expertise in creating and advocating for positive person-centred behaviour supports.

•In-depth comprehension of the effects of trauma and complex behaviours, driving informed interventions and support strategies

•Ability to deliver and mentor others in reflective practice.

Closing date: Friday, 3rd January 2025.

Please note applications may close earlier than the stated date, if a suitable applicant is found.

For further information please contact;

Talana Kilroy

Senior People and Culture Officer 49575900 or [email protected]

An applicant’s race is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised by Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977

Essential Criteria:

• Identifies as Aboriginal or/and Torres Strait Islander.


• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Social Science or related discipline or equivalent industry-related experience in the Field of Psychology, Social Work, Counselling.


• Proven track record in supporting children and young people in out-of-home care or ITC settings.


• Expertise in creating and advocating for positive person-centered behaviour supports. In-depth comprehension of the effects of trauma and complex behaviours, driving informed interventions and support strategies


• Demonstrated experience and expertise in providing therapeutic support to children and young people with complex needs.


• Strong understanding of trauma and its impact on children and young people.


• Proven ability to develop and implement effective therapeutic and behaviour support plans.


• Experience in performing behaviour assessments and providing behaviour support.


• Ability to facilitate individual and group supervision sessions.


• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work within a


• multidisciplinary team.


• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess and manage risk within legislative requirements, make impartial recommendations, and to use specialist advice when needed.


• Excellent written communication skills including the ability to write comprehensive treatment and support plans.


• Capacity to work autonomously in a busy environment with demonstrated skills in time management, working with competing priorities, and ability to prioritise and manage a caseload.


• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team to achieve positive outcomes and a positive workplace culture.