Teaching Family Model Consultant

Teaching Family Model (TFM) is a therapeutic behavioural evidence based program, which sees children living with highly trained practitioners in a home setting. The TFM Practitioners use teaching interactions, relationships and skills building which is targeted to reduce challenging behaviours and increase pro-social behaviours. The model is trauma informed and helps young people identify personal stressors and develop appropriate self-regulation techniques.

The model is trauma informed and helps young people identify personal stressors and develop appropriate self-regulation techniques. Overall, goals of the program include reduced problem behaviours, increased pro-social behaviours, increased social skills, accomplishment of age-appropriate tasks, and relationship development.

The Opportunity

• Hybrid working from Moorolbark home, Noble Park & Morwell Offices
• Full time, Permanent role
• $115K + super and salary packaging

The State Government's commitment to therapeutically uplift Residential Care homes is a very welcome reform for us at Berry Street. Berry Street has successfully implemented an evidence-based model of care called the Teaching Family Model (TFM) in all therapeutic homes.

The role of the Teaching Family Model Consultant is to manage one residential home with up to four young people. The position is responsible for direct line management of a team of Practitioners including formal supervision and performance review. The key focus of the role is to walk alongside TFM Practitioners, as they learn and develop their practice in the model, this hands-on support is provided through on the job coaching, formal observations and consistent verbal and written feedback.

The Consultant role will be driving implementation into an existing therapeutic residential homes. There may be a requirement to be part of the on-call/recall service as required.

Please note occasional travel to Morwell Berry Street office is expected however is flexible.

Key Responsibilities

Provide a Service Delivery to all practitioners as outlined by the TFM standards.

• You will be responsible for leadership and operational management of a core team and will support them to achieve success.
• Conducting observations, providing written and verbal feedback to assure the implementation of the skills taught during pre-service training and to aid in solving difficult problems and crisis situations.
• Ensure that the program has appropriately skilled Practitioners who maintain a high-quality client centred, family focused, strengths-based work.
• Support Practitioners to master 11 key TFM concepts and become Certified TFM Practitioners 
• Mentor, coach and supervise staff with a common goal to improve outcomes for young people in care.
• Role modelling the best practice principles and your understanding of the Out of Home Care System to young people and the team.

About you

With proven mentoring skills you will be a leader in advocacy for young people in care. You will have sound experience working with young people who live with the impacts of trauma and neglect. You will inherently inspire those who care for our young people through a thoughtful and proactive approach to leadership and coaching. Being self-motivated and driven will come easily to you as well as having a keen sense of professional development.

You will hold a Bachelor level qualification in Social Work or other relevant field.

Development and training opportunities in the TFM model will be offered to the successful candidate.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.

Benefits.

• $15,900 pa (pro rata) Salary Packaging
• Additional Salary Packaging for meals/accommodation
• 10 weeks paid parental leave + other generous leave conditions!
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program, with access for staff's immediate family
• Leave loading 17.5% 

Application Process

Shortlisted Candidates will be invited to participate in a two-part interview process.

Phase one includes a behavioural based interview.

Phase two includes a presentation and role play.

Interested?

This exciting role will only be open until we find the right person. If you are considering applying we strongly recommend you do as soon as possible!

Applications including resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria for the position to be submitted by 11pm on Sunday the 25th of May 2025.

Queries to Vanessa Walmaggia, Assistant Director South East Victoria on 03 9239 1400.

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National and International Police check (if required) and Worker Care Exclusion Scheme.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.