Lead Therapeutic Specialist

About the Job:

MacKillop Family Services is seeking an experienced Lead Therapeutic Specialist to provide clinical leadership across our Therapeutic Residential Care programs in the Southern region, working in partnership with program teams and external stakeholders to support children, young people and families with complex and high‑risk needs. This senior role combines direct therapeutic intervention with practice leadership, including group reflective practice, case consultation, staff training and clinical supervision, with a strong focus on trauma‑informed care and Therapeutic Life Story Work. The Lead Therapeutic Specialist will guide therapeutic planning, contribute to placement and behaviour support decisions, strengthen staff capability, and promote relational repair, identity development and stability for children and young people through evidence‑informed, child‑centred and family‑focused practice.

This is an ongoing full-time opportunity based in Warrnambool, offering flexible work arrangements. The position reports to the General Manager

Key Selection Criteria:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in psychology, social work, counselling or a related discipline, with strong grounding in trauma‑informed practice.
• Extensive experience working with children and young people with complex trauma and high‑risk behaviours, ideally within residential or out‑of‑home care settings.
• Demonstrated clinical leadership capability, including reflective practice, case consultation and supervision or mentoring of practitioners.
• Proven ability to deliver and guide therapeutic interventions, including Therapeutic Life Story Work and contributions to behaviour support and placement planning.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with care teams, carers and external providers to improve outcomes for young people.

For more information, please contact: Penny Tripoli at Penny.Tripoli@mackillop.org.au

Our offer:

• Competitive Hourly Rate - dependant on experience and qualifications
• Salary packaging – we can help you to maximise your salary packaging up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.
• Paid Training that is industry specific including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Sanctuary and Cultural Awareness training.
• Fitness Passport - which is a discounted workplace health and fitness program available to you and your family. For a fraction of the price of a regular gym membership.
• Employee Assistance Program- Free access to a wide range of options with all aspects of life such as social, financial, physical, mental health by providing counselling and coaching supporting relating both to your circumstance, even including health advice from qualified nutritionists.
• Supportive Environment - Monthly supportive meetings with your direct manager.
• 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.

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.

 Our Commitment:

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person at MacKillop 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 MacKillop Family Services continues to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately so please submit your application as soon as possible.