FFT-CW Family Therapist - Wollongong

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MacKillop Family Services is seeking a full-time FFT-CW Family Therapist in Wollongong to deliver FFT-CW therapy to DCJ referred families at risk of child protection concerns and imminent OOHC placement, with risk reduction in the family home as the priority. The role requires rapid assessment, ethical practice, mandatory reporting, and collaboration with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and CALD families, completing initial case concepts within 24 hours and scheduling the first session within 48 hours. Ideal candidates hold a relevant degree, postgraduate training in family therapy or systemic practice, and experience with diverse families and DCJ. Benefits include salary packaging, SCHADS Level 7, and career development. Apply via the APPLY link and address all criteria; contact Tracy Ellem for details; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply; shortlisting may commence immediately.

About the role:

The FFT-CW Family Therapist provides family therapy untilising the FFT-CW model to client families where a child/ren are referred to the program by DCJ because of the child protection risk to the family and the imminent likelihood of an OOHC placement for the child/ren. Therefore, holding and reducing risk in the family home is a paramount objective for the person in the role.

The Family Therapist will assess and hold a degree of risk and act in a responsible and ethical way when managing and working towards reducing the level of risk in the family. This will include transparency and adhering to mandatory reporting legislation and direction from management. The Family Therapist will work respectfully and collaboratively with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and CALD families, review referral information, identify and engage key participants, clearly identify the clinical needs of families, identifying systemic strengths and limitations, and develop an analysis of the fit of problem behaviours within the ecological context towards the development of a Behaviour Change Plan and complete initial case conceptualisation within 24 hours of referral and before first phone call and schedule first session within 48 hours of referral.   

This is a Full-Time opportunity based in Wollongong, NSW within our NSW Family Preservation and Restoration Services Program. The position reports to the Family Therapy Supervisor.

Key Selection Criteria:

To be successful in this role, the incumbent will have:

• A bachelor's degree in social work or psychology/ Aboriginal Health Worker / Community Welfare Worker or Master of Counselling
• Post Graduate training in relevant child, adolescent and family clinical practice, family therapy and systemic thinking is strongly preferred.
• A knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values and an awareness of the current issues faced by Aboriginal children, young people and their families.
• Clinical experience working with families/ adolescents strongly preferred.
• Proven highly developed interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and excellent engagement skills.
• A track record of working collaboratively and the demonstrated capacity to negotiate and liaise with internal and external stakeholders including, DCJ, other agencies and the community.  

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:

Tracy Ellem at [email protected]

Our offer:

• Generous Salary Packaging - helps increase your take home pay
• SCHADS Award Level 7 dependents on qualification and experience.
• Ongoing Career Development, Education and Training
• Employee Assistance Program – free and confidential counselling, coaching and emotional support for work and personal challenges
• Click HERE to find out more about becoming a member of the MacKillop Family Services team and what further support we have to offer our employees.

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.