Senior Practitioner - Ohana Academy

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organization, 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, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, including remote areas and capital cities. The organization employs approximately 600 people and is committed to diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures, and beliefs, recognizing that it takes all types of people to do the challenging work they undertake.

Job Overview:
The Senior Practitioner role at Ohana Academy in Cairns is a full-time, 12-month maximum term position with a strong possibility of extension until December 202

• This role is pivotal in establishing a new holistic educational and wellbeing program aimed at supporting young people aged 10-16 who are in contact with the youth justice system. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing holistic case management to these young individuals and their families, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to thrive. The position requires a compassionate and innovative leader who can effectively mentor and guide a team of Youth Specialists while maintaining a caseload of families. The role emphasizes the importance of partnership, outcomes-based approaches, and client-centered methodologies to drive quality program planning and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Practitioner will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including maintaining a caseload of families and caregivers of young people involved with the youth justice system. This includes providing parent coaching to build family capacity, driving quality program planning and implementation, mentoring Youth Specialists, and developing operational stakeholder relationships critical to the program's success. Additionally, the role involves coordinating staff caseloads, managing program logistics, monitoring and evaluation, risk management, and ensuring child protection protocols are followed. The practitioner will also be expected to utilize a strengths-based perspective in their work, ensuring that the voices of the children and families are at the forefront of all initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Practitioner position must demonstrate skills, knowledge, and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and families, as well as families at risk and young people involved in the youth justice system. A degree or diploma in a related field is required, or significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. The position also requires other skills and experiences as outlined in the detailed position description, which emphasizes the importance of a compassionate and flexible approach to working with vulnerable populations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree or diploma in a relevant field such as social work, psychology, education, or community services. Candidates with significant relevant experience may also be considered if they do not possess formal qualifications. The educational requirements are designed to ensure that the practitioner has a solid foundation in the principles and practices necessary for effective case management and support for young people and their families.

Experience:
The role requires candidates to have substantial experience working with youth, particularly those involved in the youth justice system, as well as experience in case management and program implementation. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and families at risk. Experience in mentoring and leading teams is also highly desirable, as the Senior Practitioner will be responsible for guiding Youth Specialists and ensuring the successful delivery of the program.

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 program.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a 12-month maximum term, with the possibility of extension until December 202

• The organization offers an award rate salary (Level 5.1 currently $51.00 per hour) plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Additional benefits include generous financial assistance with relocation, transitional housing support, individual learning plans for career development, extra leave options, supportive management structures, and access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The organization strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce.