Therapeutic Practitioner

Welcome to Lutheran Care! We are an energetic, forward thinking, not-for-profit organisation, providing support to people who need it most. Our current programs include emergency relief, financial counselling, family support and education, community support, foster care, housing and homelessness services and disability services.

From South Australia to the Northern Territory, we provide a diverse range of vital community services, including homelessness services, foster care, emergency relief, financial counselling, family support, and NDIS disability services. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, we will walk side by side with you, regardless of cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, belief systems or circumstances. Our diverse range of programs isn't just a list of services; we're leading the charge to break down barriers and foster genuine inclusion and participation in our communities.

Our eyes are firmly on the future with our plan to harness new technologies and expand our service offerings and footprint in innovative ways.

About the Role
We're looking for a Therapeutic Practitioner to join our Foster Care Services Team.

We are seeking an experience and compassionate professional to provide intensive therapeutic support to children, young people, foster carers and families across Lutheran Care's Foster Care Services and Specialist Care Program. 

As out Therapeutic Practitioner, you will work collaboratively with foster carers, Case Workers and program leaders to strengthen therapeutic practice and support positive, stable outcomes for children and young people in care. You will provide direct therapeutic support, develop trauma and disability-informed resources, coach carers and staff, and help embed consistent, evidence-based approaches across the service. 

Working closely with the Foster Care Services Team, Team Leaders, Managers and external professionals, you will contribute to reflective practice, carer capability, service development and continuous improvement across the program. 

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Provide intensive, trauma-informed therapeutic support to foster carers and families caring for children and young people with complex needs.
• Provide consultation and guidance to Case Workers and teams on reflective practice, evidence-based therapeutic approaches and the wellbeing needs of children and families.
• Coach foster carers and staff in developing and applying Growth Action Plans.
• Support foster carers to strengthen their reflective practice and therapeutic parenting skills.
• Provide psychoeducation and evidence-based resources relating to trauma, attachment, developmental challenges, therapeutic parenting, vicarious trauma and self-care.
• Support children and young people to express their views and participate in decisions about their care and cultural connections.
• Source and develop therapeutic practice resources, tools and training materials tailored to the needs of children, young people and families.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of foster carer training, support groups, playgroups, carer connect groups and specialist programs.
• Coordinate and facilitate peer supervision sessions to promote reflective practice, professional development and collaborative learning.
• Work collaboratively with professionals across child protection, disability, education and health systems to support children’s complex care needs.
• Contribute to quality assurance, reporting, accurate record keeping, service development and continuous improvement initiatives.

What's in It for You?

We believe great work deserves great rewards. When you join Lutheran Care, you'll enjoy:

• You're Amazing Day – a day off just for you!
• Paid parental leave
• Access to free, confidential counselling sessions
• A kind and supportive workplace culture
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
• Salary packaging benefits available to increase your take-home pay

What You'll Need to Succeed

Essential Criteria:

• A Bachelor of Social Work or a degree in another related discipline.
• Sound knowledge of trauma-responsive practice, attachment and child development, including the effects of trauma on the behaviour and wellbeing of children and young people in care.
• Working knowledge of common developmental disabilities and challenges affecting children and young people.
• Advanced skills in providing intensive, trauma-informed support to families caring for children with complex needs.
• Sound knowledge of the foster care system and the issues experienced by foster carers.
• Ability to communicate with children and their caregivers in a respectful, child-focused and trauma-informed manner.
• High-level interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

Desirable:

• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training or training facilitator accreditation.
• Training and experience in the LBI Foundation’s IMPACT Model.
• Experience planning, coordinating and delivering events or group programs.
• Experience working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
• Training and experience in Positive Behaviour Support.
• Knowledge of and experience working within the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Ready to Apply?

We'd love to hear from you! Show us your experience and enthusiasm for the role by submitting your application below.

If you would like a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Dawn Oakley on 0439 961 ***

Applications must include:

• A cover letter
• A current resume

For more details and to apply, visit: https://www.lutherancare.org.au/vacancies/ 

Lutheran Care is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and those from culturally diverse communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply to join us in our vision of changing lives and building communities.

Please note, Lutheran Care retains the right to close this advert earlier upon identifying a suitable candidate.