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 to advocate for children's rights, the organization operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons is committed to diversity and inclusion, reflecting the communities it serves. The organization aims to create a supportive environment where every employee can contribute to making a difference in the lives of children and young people.

Job Overview:
The Senior Practitioner role at Ohana Academy in Cairns is a full-time permanent position focused on establishing a new holistic educational and wellbeing program for young people in contact with the youth justice system. The successful candidate will play a key mentoring role, providing integrated case management to young people aged 10-16 and their families. This position requires a compassionate and innovative leader who can maintain a caseload of families, implement quality program planning, and develop operational stakeholder relationships critical to the program's success. The role emphasizes a strengths-based, client-centered approach to support young people in achieving their goals and improving their wellbeing.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Practitioner include maintaining a caseload of families and caregivers of young people involved with the youth justice system, providing parent coaching to build family capacity, driving quality program planning and implementation, mentoring Youth Specialists, developing and maintaining operational stakeholder relationships, coordinating staff caseloads and program logistics, and overseeing monitoring and evaluation, risk management, and child protection processes. The role also involves ensuring that the program meets its objectives and that young people receive the necessary support to thrive.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate skills, knowledge, understanding, and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and families, families at risk, and young people involved in the youth justice system. A degree or diploma in a related field or significant relevant experience is required. Additional skills and experience as outlined in the position description are also necessary to fulfill the role effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree or diploma in a relevant field, such as social work, psychology, or education. Candidates with significant relevant experience may also be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. The educational qualifications should equip the candidate with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work effectively with young people and their families.

Experience:
The position requires demonstrated experience in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and families, as well as experience in case management and support for young people involved in the youth justice system. Candidates should have a proven track record of implementing programs and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for young people and their families.

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

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time permanent position with an award rate salary (Level 5.1 currently $53.43 per hour) plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. The organization offers generous financial assistance with relocation and transitional housing for candidates moving to the region. Employees benefit from individual learning plans for career development, extra leave options, supportive management, and access to a free, confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply. All employees must undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check, and adhere to the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.