Senior Practitioner

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, 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. The organization focuses on providing quality services to children and their caregivers across every state and territory, including remote areas and capital cities. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, reflecting the communities they serve and celebrating the unique contributions of each team member.

Job Overview:
The Senior Practitioner role is a permanent part-time position (68.4 hours per fortnight, structured as a 9-day fortnight) within the Domestic and Family Violence Refuge Program. The position is based in Brisbane and involves working in a crisis accommodation program with a rotational roster from Monday to Sunday, between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm. The role is pivotal in supporting the implementation of the Child Centred Trauma Informed Practice Framework within the refuge environment. The Senior Practitioner will report to the Team Leader and will be responsible for providing coaching and mentoring to a team of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) and Child Specialist practitioners, as well as supporting and strengthening both informal and formal networks with like-minded organizations and professionals. The position also involves providing crisis DFV support to women and children within a specialized service model, ensuring that the needs of the clients are met effectively and compassionately.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Practitioner will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the Team Leader in implementing the Child Centred Trauma Informed Practice Framework in a DFV Refuge environment; providing coaching and mentoring to DFV and Child Specialist practitioners; developing and maintaining strong relationships with external networks and professionals; delivering crisis support to women and children; assessing risk and developing comprehensive safety plans tailored to individual needs; leading and guiding practitioners to ensure safe and ethical practices; and contributing to the overall development and improvement of the refuge program. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to adapt to the dynamic needs of the clients and the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess qualifications in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field, or have significant relevant experience in the field. The role requires highly developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead, coach, and develop a team effectively. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of trauma-informed care and a commitment to service user advocacy and network engagement. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for success in this position, as is the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Educational Background:
A degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, candidates with significant relevant experience in the Domestic and Family Violence sector may also be considered. Continuous professional development and training in trauma-informed practices and child welfare are highly valued.

Experience:
Candidates should have proven experience in the Domestic and Family Violence sector, particularly in working with children and young people. Experience in applying a trauma-informed and strength-based approach is essential, along with a demonstrated ability to assess risk and develop safety plans. The ideal candidate will have a background in providing support to families living with trauma and will be skilled in influencing and guiding practitioners to ensure ethical and safe practices.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the role. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in communities with diverse linguistic backgrounds, enhancing the ability to connect with clients from various cultural contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time, with a total of 68.4 hours per fortnight, structured as a 9-day fortnight. The role is based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and involves working within a rotational roster from Monday to Sunday between 8 am and 8 pm. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. The salary for this position is based on the award rate, currently at Level 5.1, which is $53.43 per hour, along with access to full salary packaging benefits. Employees are also offered opportunities for career development, additional leave, and support for workplace wellness, including access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program.