Senior Practitioner – Intensive Bail Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and a global movement dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. Established with a mission to provide quality services to children and their caregivers across every state and territory, as well as in remote areas and capital cities, 54 reasons operates with a workforce of approximately 600 employees. The organization is committed to making a significant impact in the lives of children and families, particularly those who have come into contact with the youth justice system.

Job Overview:
The Senior Practitioner role within the Intensive Bail Initiative Team is a full-time, maximum term position that extends through to the end of March 2026, with a strong potential for extension. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families in the Mount Isa region. The position involves working closely with external stakeholders to enhance the safety and wellbeing of children, while also contributing to the goals of assisting young people in meeting their bail conditions, reducing the number of children remanded in custody, and decreasing youth reoffending. The role emphasizes a wrap-around service model that supports families and provides practitioners with peer support, ensuring that effective working partnerships are established and maintained.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Practitioner will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: driving quality program planning and implementation; coaching, training, and developing colleagues to enhance their skills and competencies for high-quality service delivery; developing and maintaining operational stakeholder relationships critical to the program's success; coordinating staff caseloads and program logistics; monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness; managing risks; and ensuring child protection protocols are adhered to. Additionally, the practitioner will maintain a caseload of clients, providing direct support and guidance to families in need.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position must possess a tertiary qualification in a relevant field or have significant experience working in a similar service. A demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and families is essential, as is a strong grasp of the Youth Justice system, including orders and bail obligations. The role requires highly developed interpersonal skills, the ability to coach and develop a team, and the capacity to work effectively within a team environment. Furthermore, candidates should have experience in applying a trauma-informed and strength-based approach, with a focus on service user advocacy and network engagement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a tertiary qualification in a relevant field, which may encompass social work, psychology, or a related discipline. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of working with children and families, particularly those affected by trauma and involvement with the youth justice system.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience working with children and young people, particularly in contexts related to youth justice and family support. This experience should include direct engagement with families living with trauma, as well as a proven track record of developing comprehensive case management plans tailored to individual needs. Experience in coaching and mentoring colleagues is also highly valued, as it contributes to the overall effectiveness of the team.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the role. Additionally, knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages may be considered advantageous, as it can enhance engagement with the communities served by the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a maximum term contract lasting until the end of March 2026, with the possibility of extension based on funding and program needs. The role is classified at Level 5.1, offering a generous award rate salary of $51.00 per hour, plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Employees are entitled to extra leave options to support their wellbeing and performance. The organization emphasizes supportive management practices, including professional supervision training and monthly sessions, to foster career development. Furthermore, 54 reasons is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees feel valued and supported in their roles.