Address- Traralgon Area on Gunai Kurnai Country
- Full Time 76 hours per fortnight, ongoing opportunity
- Base Salary of $86k + 11% superannuation + up to $15,900 salary packaging available
- It takes someone very special to work in Berry Street's Residential Care Program
Your Opportunity
Join our team at Berry Street's Residential Care Program, where we provide accommodation, top-tier physical and emotional care, and unwavering support to children and young people aged 10 to 17. These individuals, placed under Child Protection orders, come to us when other Out of Home Care options are not feasible. While the role is deeply rewarding, it also presents its own set of challenges. Working with children and young people who have endured trauma, neglect, and abuse requires resilience, compassion, and a commitment to their growth and well-being.
As part of the home's leadership team, the Lead Practitioner collaborates with the Senior Practitioner, Consultant, and Take Two Clinician to maintain consistent care by using TFM goals, systems, and elements to create lasting behavioural change for young people. An effective Lead Practitioner supports their team's development and mastery of model concepts through active coaching, mentoring, and role-modelling.
Teaching Family Model homes are staffed on a 24/7 roster, with opportunities available for both qualified and unqualified staff.
On the Job, You Will:
- Ensure the home environment consistently provides safety, structure, acceptance and security for children, young people, and practitioners.
- Lead in the responsibility of the day-to-day operation of the home in accordance with Berry Street Values, Policies, Guidelines, Practice Standards and Manuals.
- Engage with intensive training, coaching and feedback to become a certified practitioner within 14 months by demonstrating mastery of 11 TFM concepts.
- Build and maintain stakeholder relationships to ensure a consistent approach across the care team in line with best practices.
Your Skills and Experience:
- You're a team player with the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders, prioritizing the best interests of the young person.
- Strong communication skills, active listening, and a commitment to maintaining professional boundaries.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to multitask with ease.
- Creative thinking and a non-judgmental approach to life.
- A driver's license (minimum green P's) is essential for transporting young people.
- A minimum Cert IV in Child, Youth & Family Intervention or equivalent qualification is required. However, Berry Street is open to employing applicants committed to enrolling in a relevant qualification within three months of employment.
- Applicants must complete the mandatory upskilling units as required by Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Continuing employment is dependent on satisfactory evidence provided within 6 months of being engaged in the role. Our team will support you with your enrolment with our partner TAFE, Melbourne Polytechnic.
- Completion of the Teaching Family Model training is desirable but not necessary.
Why Berry Street:
As one of Australia's largest independent agencies, we're dedicated to providing diverse programs to over 35,000 young people, children, and families across Victoria each year. We believe in safety, thriving, and hope for all and strive to make this a reality every day. Join our team and benefit from our commitment to professional development, access to an Employee Assistance Program, and opportunities for career progression.
Berry Street’s Benefits
- Above award salaries & penalty rates
- Comprehensive training including AOD, First Aid, Health & Safety and more.
- A culture that values and supports professional development.
- $15,900.00 pa (pro rata) Salary Packaging + Additional Salary Packaging for meals/accommodation
- Generous leave conditions!
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program, with access for staff's immediate family
- Leave loading 17.5%
For inquiries, contact our Talent Acquisition Team at ***********@berrystreet.org.au
For inquiries, contact our Talent Acquisition Team at ***********@berrystreet.org.au or (03) 9426 7***. 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 Police Check (International Police Checks may be applicable).
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.
