Therapeutic Carer

**_Have you had experience in youth, social or support work?_**
- We are seeking a dedicated individual who is passionate about making an impact on the lives of young people in our community working permanent part time._

**About Us**

At Treehouse we are creating “innovative families”, a living arrangement between trained professionals and children/young people who have experienced trauma neglect or abuse. We work together, with children and young people, encouraging them to begin the process of moving through their trauma. Allowing them a safe space to build rapport, form attachments and feel confident to transition out of survival mode.

We nurture and encourage them to develop their identity and sense of self, fostering their physical, emotional, social and psychological wellbeing to better themselves and their future lives.

**The Opportunity**

The goal of the Therapeutic Carer is to contribute to the family environment for the children of Treehouse so that they can learn and grow in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. Directly reporting to the House Supervisor, you will support the development of each young person and the running of the household.
- Build trust and rapport with young people by providing them with a safe, loving environment and trauma-informed care.
- Work across a shift-based roster to provide therapeutic care with full flexibility to work across morning, afternoon and sleepovers.
- Transporting children/young people to and from school, as well as to and from any co-curricular activities.
- Consistently engaging with the children/young people of the house on both an individual AND group level.
- Support, communicate and liaise with other Therapeutic carers/ House Manager, attend weekly meetings to debrief and communicate present issues, support plans, etc.
- Household duties - maintaining a high level of hygiene and cleanliness, preparing nutritional meals, etc.
- Assisting with showers/baths/bedtime/homework and assignments when needed.
- Completing appropriate documentation and writing clear and concise case notes at the end of each shift.
- Be responsible to contact the crisis support line in the event of an emergency.
- Understand and abide by all Treehouse policies and procedures through completion of core mandatory training and refreshers.

**Why work for Treehouse Innovative Families?**
- Attractive award remuneration plus penalties and 11% superannuation.
- Comprehensive initial and ongoing training and development, making this role suitable for both experienced individuals and entry-level social work/ community services students.
- Full access to an internal learning and development officer and modern training platform. You will have access to training opportunities such as Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, P.A.R.T and Mental Health first aid all for free
- Fantastic and fun wellbeing initiatives such as in person team events, smaller house events, RUOK day and Steptember.
- Free and confidential accessibility to our amazing Employee Assistance Program.
- Monthly group and individual Supervision with qualified and knowledgeable specialist House Supervisors.
- The opportunity to be part of a diverse and passionate team (that feels like a family) working in a challenging role, making a real impact on the lives of young people.

**Selection Criteria/Requirements**
- Experience working with disabilities desirable (i.e. schizophrenia)
- Valid NSW Paid Working with Children Check and National Police Check or being willing and eligible to obtain one prior to commencement.
- Consent to be added to the Residential Care Workers Register
- Valid first aid certificate or willing to obtain within 1 month.
- Availability for sleepovers and a combination of different shift patterns is essential.
- Valid Australian Drivers Licence
- Attained or working towards a relevant Bachelor's Degree, Diploma or Certificate IV (Community Services, Youth/Social Work, etc.)
- Experience with young people/children
- Basic knowledge/understanding of trauma (highly regarded)
- Knowledge of the out-of-home-care and residential care system (highly regarded)

**How to apply**

Treehouse Innovative Families promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children, including those with a disability. Applicants are welcome to elaborate on experience they may have working with children with a disability.