Therapeutic Specialist

Australian Childhood Foundation is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children and young people to recover from the impacts of abuse, neglect, and family violence. We provide specialist therapeutic services, advocacy, and education programs underpinned by the latest research in neuroscience, attachment, and trauma. Our work is driven by a commitment to creating safe, supportive environments where every child can thrive.

The role will support the development of a new initiative in partnership with Central Australian Youth Link Up Service and Southern Tanami Kurdiji Indigenous Corporation. Mampu Maninjaku is a Warlpiri led diversionary, counselling and intervention service, targeting young people who are either already engaged, or at risk of engaging in the justice system, and / or using alcohol, drugs, or volatile substances.

The position is based in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) with frequent travel to Yuendumu, Nyirrpi and Willowra to support the establishment of the program. This will involve developing program policies and procedures, facilitating training and capacity building activities, providing support and mentoring to local Yapa facilitators, supporting bush trips and cultural camps, co-facilitating group work programs, and developing a program handbook and guide.

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline.
• Eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association.
• Highly developed ability to provide secondary consultation and advice to clinicians and other professionals.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead and manage in an area of challenging and complex practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma, attachment and neurobiology frameworks and theories.
• Substantial experience in the area of child abuse and/or in working with children impacted by trauma.
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and the capacity to negotiate and liaise with carers, Department of Children and Families, other agencies and the community.
• A sophisticated understanding of the complexity of the service system and the issues involved in providing services to statutory clients.
• A current Australian driver's license or equivalent.
• A current Working with Children Check (Ochre Card).

• Salary Packaging: Maximise your take-home pay with generous packaging options of up to $15,899 per year.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to confidential counselling and wellbeing support services for you and your immediate family.
• National Professional Community: Collaborate and connect with a passionate network of professionals working to make a difference in children's lives across the country.
• Guided Supervision: Regular individual and group supervision for clinical guidance.
• Values-Driven Work: Be part of a child-safe, trauma-informed organisation that puts children's needs and voices at the centre of everything we do.
• Additional Leave - employees working from the NT have access to additional annual leave
• Impact and Purpose: Contribute to innovative programs that create meaningful change for children, young people and families across Australia.

To Apply: If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of children, please click APPLY and attach a copy of your current resume along with a cover letter, addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria.

For a copy of the position description, please contact Human Resources at

Applications close on 22 September 2025, unless a suitable candidate is appointed earlier.

Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment. ACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with a disability are strongly encouraged to apply. Members of the LGBTIQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.