The Therapeutic Specialist role reports through to the Principal Practitioner. The position works closely with the Managers and Coordinators of the local region to deliver clinical and therapeutic services for children, young people, families and carers who are clients of the programs.
The Therapeutic Specialist is responsible for guiding and supporting carer and staff interactions with children and young people, conducting assessments, developing therapeutic treatment plans and leading reflective practice to support carers and staff to develop their therapeutic skills. In addition, the Therapeutic Specialist will, as required, provide therapeutic services including Family Therapy directly to the children, young people and families who are clients of our services.
The Therapeutic Specialist works closely with the Manager, program staff and other service partners in the management of complex cases and practice quality issues. This includes the provision of specialist expertise and assistance, case consultancy and review and the promotion of reflective and evidence-based practice.
The primary objective of this role is to provide critical clinical and therapeutic support for and with the casework teams working from MacKillop’s offices and as part of those programs. MacKillop is delivering Out of Home Care, Homelessness Services, Family Therapy and other programs as developed. The Therapeutic Specialist will bring their experience, skills and qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Family Therapy or their equivalents, to the challenge of delivering clinical services for the vulnerable children, young people and families, who are clients of our services, many of whom have experienced trauma, abuse or violence. The Therapeutic Specialist will work alongside our teams, as well as part of the NSW Clinical Services team, to deliver the desired outcomes for the program’s clients using the best evidence-based practice, determined by MacKillop and its Clinical Services team.

• 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.
• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline is essential.
• Current registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and a higher degree in psychology at master’s level is preferred.
• Post Graduate training in relevant child, adolescent and family clinical practice, family therapy and systemic thinking is strongly preferred