Senior Practitioner – Staying on Track

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, established as part of the Save the Children Australia Group and the global movement to ensure that children and young people have their rights met and thrive. The organization operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers in various settings, including remote areas and capital cities. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons is committed to diversity and inclusion, recognizing the unique value each individual brings to the organization.

Job Overview:
In this full-time permanent role, the Senior Practitioner will support a multidisciplinary team focused on providing interventions to young people aged 10-17 who are transitioning from detention back to their communities. The position is based in Mount Isa and involves reporting to the Team Leader. The role is integral to the Staying on Track program, which aims to empower young individuals by offering tailored support as they reintegrate into society. The Senior Practitioner will be responsible for driving quality program planning and implementation, coaching and developing colleagues to enhance service delivery, and maintaining critical stakeholder relationships. This position requires a passion for assisting young people in overcoming challenges and redirecting them from the Youth Justice system, ensuring their voices are central to the goal-setting process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Practitioner will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: driving quality program planning and implementation; coaching, training, and developing colleagues to enhance their skills and competencies; developing and maintaining operational stakeholder relationships essential for the program's success; coordinating staff caseloads and program logistics; monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness; managing risks and ensuring child protection; and maintaining a caseload of clients to provide direct support and guidance. The role also involves engaging with local mentors and community leaders to foster reintegration and long-term wellbeing for the participants.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate skills and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, particularly those in contact with the justice system. Experience in youth work or case management roles is essential, along with a proven track record in mentoring and coaching colleagues. An understanding of complex intergenerational trauma is crucial, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills. Additionally, candidates should have a solid understanding of child protection concerns and a commitment to responding safely and effectively. Strong time management and organizational skills are necessary to manage and plan one's workload effectively.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in social work, psychology, or a related field is typically expected for roles in youth work and case management. Relevant certifications or training in child protection and trauma-informed care may also be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires demonstrated experience in youth work or case management, particularly with young people transitioning from detention. Candidates should have a history of working effectively in challenging environments, especially in remote and rural settings, and possess experience in mentoring and coaching colleagues to enhance service delivery.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication with clients and stakeholders. Additional language skills, particularly those relevant to the local community, may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time permanent position with generous relocation assistance available for candidates moving to Mount Isa. The role offers a competitive salary at Level 5.1, which is $51.00 per hour, plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Employees are entitled to extra leave for various purposes to ensure optimal performance. The organization provides supportive management, professional supervision training, and access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. There are also opportunities for internal deployment, secondment, and career progression within one of Australia’s largest non-profits. The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible, reflecting the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion.