Therapeutic Specialist

About the opportunity

We’re looking for a passionate professional to join our team in a new role providing specialised care and recovery support for young people who have experienced abuse-related trauma.

In this dynamic role, you’ll work one‑on‑one with adolescent boys, helping them recover from the effects of family violence. You’ll provide culturally safe, inclusive support for all young people, including those who identify as LGBTI+ and those with disabilities, while also assisting families to support their child’s recovery journey.

You’ll play a key role in planning that meets the cultural needs of Aboriginal and culturally diverse young males and their families.

By continuously assessing and reviewing safety, you’ll ensure young males have opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives.

This role is part of a coordinated, multi‑systemic, and holistic approach, giving guidance to parents and carers while providing young males with the support they need to thrive.

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.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and direct service in the clinical assessment and treatment of children, young people and families.
• Highly developed ability to provide secondary consultation and advice to clinicians and other professionals.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead and manage in an area of challenging and complex practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma, attachment and neurobiology frameworks and theories.
• Substantial experience in working therapeutically with children and young people who have experienced trauma and have complex needs and presentations.
• Strong advocacy for the needs and best interest of children and young people.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with volunteers, including carers, DFFH, other agencies, and the community.
• A sophisticated understanding of the complexity of the service system and the issues involved in providing services to statutory clients.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively and positively within a team environment.
• A well‑developed ability to assist others to understand the implications of Trauma and Attachment theories and their relationship to child abuse.
• Knowledge of and expertise in delivering a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions to the client group.
• A current Victorian driver’s licence or equivalent.

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 programme
• National Network – Connect with a passionate professional community across Australia.
• Guided Supervision – Regular individual and group supervision to support your growth.
• 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 programmes that create meaningful change for children, young people and families.

To learn more about our work and the impact we’re making for children and families, please visit :

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 : PD - Therapeutic Specialist - Shepparton - CTS VN447.pdf

Applications close on 28 November 2025, 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.

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