About the role
The Therapeutic Specialist (Home Based Care Specialist Disability Program) is part of MacKillop's Clinical Services team and reports to the Lead Principal Practitioner. The role works in close collaboration with Managers and Coordinators in the local region to deliver clinical and therapeutic services for children and young people with disabilities, as well as their families and carers within the specialist home-based care program.
Under the direction of the Lead Principal Practitioner, the Therapeutic Specialist partners with program staff and service providers to manage complex cases and ensure high-quality practice. Key responsibilities include providing specialist expertise, case consultation and review, and promoting reflective, evidence-based approaches. The role also supports the development of secure attachments between carers and children and young people.
This position is one of three key roles within the program and requires strong collaboration with the Case Manager and Transitions Support Worker.
This is a fixed-term full-time opportunity (until 01 September 2026) based in Dandenong South, VIC within our Clinical Services Program. The position reports to the Lead Principal Practitioner.
Key Selection Criteria
To be successful in this role, you will have:
* An appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology or Social Work or equivalent
* Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and direct service in the clinical assessment and treatment of children, young people, families, and carers.
* Experience supporting individuals with a disability, their families and carers.
* Experience working in Out-of-Home Care, ideally working with children in foster care.
* Evidence of a sophisticated understanding of the complexity of the Child Protection and the Out-of-Home Care service system and the issues involved in providing services to statutory clients.
Please address the full Key Selection Criteria outlined in the PD as part of your application.
For a full position listing, please click APPLY. The Position Description is available for review at the bottom of the page.
For more information, please contact:
Lynda Manley at or on
Our offer:
* Salary packaging– We can help you to maximise your salary packaging up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.
* Paid Training - Industry specific training, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Sanctuary and Cultural Awareness training.
* Fitness Passport - A discounted workplace health and fitness program available to you and your family. For a fraction of the price of a regular gym membership.
* Employee Assistance Program - Free access to a wide range of options with all aspects of life such as social, financial, physical, mental health by providing counselling and coaching supporting relating both to your circumstance, even including health advice from qualified nutritionists.
* Supportive Environment - Monthly supportive meetings with your direct manager.
* Sanctuary Organisation - MacKillop's work is underpinned by the Sanctuary Model, an evidence-supported, whole of organisation framework that brings our values to life. The model reinforces our ability to create a safe environment that teaches people to cope effectively with stress and trauma, and to heal.
You must have a:
* Valid and current Driver's Licence;
* Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop);
* Valid Employee Working with Children Check;
* Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles). MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application.
Our Commitment
MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person at MacKillop has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person's ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age.
It is our goal that MacKillop Family Services continues to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Shortlisting for this position may commence immediately so please submit your application as soon as possible.