Therapeutic Support Practitioner

Welcome to Lutheran Care. We are an energetic, forward thinking and values driven faith based not for profit organisation, providing support to people who need it most. Current programs include emergency relief, financial counselling, family support and education, foster care, housing and family shelter, homelessness services, and refugee services. 

Our Foster Care Services program is funded through the Department for Child Protection to provide family based foster care services in the SA Metropolitan North, South West and East, the Adelaide Hills, the Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Murray Mallee regions. 

Foster carers are recruited, trained and supported to provide emergency, short term, long term, specialist and respite care for children and young people who are under the Guardianship of the Chief Executive.

And this is where you come in! We are looking for a Therapeutic Support Practitioner who will provide intensive Therapeutic Support to vulnerable families in LC’s Foster Care Service and Specialist Care Program, in collaboration with allocated Case Workers

The aims and objectives include: 

• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of trauma-responsive practice, the effects of trauma and attachment on child development and the impacts on behaviour in relation to children and young people in care.
• Hold a working knowledge of common developmental disabilities and challenges impacting children and young people, inclusive practice and strategies to support children with developmental challenges.
• Maintain commitment to an outcome based approach, including reducing and eliminating restrictive practices and improved quality of life for all.
• Coach families in developing Growth Action Plans to overcome barriers and experience success in meeting their children’s and their own support needs.
• Provide families with psychoeducation and evidence-based resources regarding their child’s needs, therapeutic parenting strategies, vicarious trauma and self-care.
• Contribute to the development, planning and delivery of therapeutic carer connect groups, support groups, playgroups and specialist care children’s programs.

Want to know more? Head to our website for the full position description.

Lutheran Care is committed to providing a child safe environment therefore you will require a valid DHS Working With Children Check and a current Safe Environments for Children & Young People certificate. You must hold a current and unrestricted South Australian Drivers License and possess a registered roadworthy vehicle available for work use (employees reimbursed for work travel).

Benefits:

Lutheran Care values all its staff, students and volunteers and ensure they are well supported through paid maternity and paternity leave, an Employee Assistance Program, a free and confidential counselling service, access to internal and external training opportunities, annual staff conference and professional development days, annual volunteer celebrations and an innovative and caring culture.

Applications must include a Cover Letter, Selection Criteria Response and a current Resume. 

For further information and instructions on how to apply, and to view the Job Description please visit our website at: https://www.lutherancare.org.au/vacancies/

Applications close 1 March 2024

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”.