Therapeutic Specialist

About the role:

The Therapeutic Specialist is responsible for guiding and supporting carer and staff interactions with children and young people, conducting assessments, developing therapeutic treatment plans and leading reflective practice to support carers and staff to develop their therapeutic skills. In addition, the Therapeutic Specialist will, as required, provide therapeutic services including Family Therapy directly to the children, young people and families who are clients of our services.

The Therapeutic Specialist works closely with the Manager, program staff and other service partners in the management of complex cases and practice quality issues. This includes the provision of specialist expertise and assistance, case consultancy and review and the promotion of reflective and evidence-based practice.

The primary objective of this role is to provide critical clinical and therapeutic support for and with the casework teams working from MacKillop’s offices and as part of those programs. MacKillop is delivering Out of Home Care, Homelessness Services, Family Therapy and other programs as developed. The Therapeutic Specialist will bring their experience, skills and qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Family Therapy or their equivalents, to the challenge of delivering clinical services for the vulnerable children, young people and families, who are clients of our services, many of whom have experienced trauma, abuse or violence. The Therapeutic Specialist will work alongside our teams, as well as part of the NSW Clinical Services team, to deliver the desired outcomes for the program’s clients using the best evidence-based practice, determined by MacKillop and its Clinical Services team. 

About you:

You are a passionate and experienced therapeutic practitioner who is committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable children, young people, and families. Drawing on your expertise in Psychology, Social Work, Family Therapy, or a related discipline, you bring a strong understanding of trauma-informed, evidence-based practice and the ability to apply therapeutic frameworks in complex and challenging environments.

This is an ongoing full-time opportunity based in Canberra ACT, within our Residential Program. The position reports to Principal Practitioner in the ACT.



Key Selection Criteria:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values and an awareness of the current issues faced by Aboriginal children, young people and their families.
• Experience in completing assessments for children and young people and using the findings to complete a comprehensive therapeutic written report/care plan designed to inform staff and child interactions and the Care Team's planning.
• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline is essential.  
• Current registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and a higher degree in psychology at master’s level is preferred.
• Post Graduate training in relevant child, adolescent and family clinical practice, family therapy and systemic thinking is strongly preferred.

Please address the full Key Selection Criteria outlined in the PD as part of your application

For more information, please contact: Natalie Fraser on Natalie.Fraser@mackillop.org.au, or Claire Michael on Claire.Michael@mackillop.org.au

What we offer at MacKillop:

• SCHADS (Level 8 $68.49 - $71.19) – Dependent on qualifications & experience
• More money in your pocket – salary sacrifice up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.
• Wellbeing that matters - Free, confidential support for mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.
• Sanctuary Organisation - MacKillop’s work is underpinned by the Sanctuary Model, an evidence supported, whole of organisation framework that brings our values to life. The model reinforces our ability to create a safe environment that teaches people to cope effectively with stress and trauma, and to heal.
• First Nations career pathways – Warrungarli Strategy supporting recruitment, retention and professional development
• Community & connection – Opportunity to join Ngindaay Guumaldanha, our Aboriginal Staff Network

You must have a:

• Valid and current Driver’s License;
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop);
• Valid Employee Working with Children Check.
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles). MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application.
• A first aid certificate with 6-months validity.

Our Commitment:

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person’s ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age.

It is our goal that we continue to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

We value the unique knowledge, perspectives, and cultural contributions of First Nations peoples. Your experience and insights are important to us, and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

Curious about the MacKillop vibe? Jump onto Instagram and follow @mackillopcareers for a fun, inside look at our team culture.