Practitioner - Functional Family Therapy

Morwell, VIC, Australia, 3840

Regional Victoria - Gippsland, VIC, Australia

Part Time

FFT-CW Practitioner

Provide tailored support based on the needs of children and their families

Be supported to learn and work in an evidence-based model

SCHADS Level 6,.8FTE ONGOING / based at Morwell

About AV

At Anglicare Victoria (AV) our focus is on transforming the futures of children and young people, families and adults. Our work is based on three guiding pillars, Prevent, Protect, and Empower. We offer a comprehensive network of services and seek to ensure the provision of high-quality services that will bring about significant improvements in the life experience of the young people, children and families/caregivers with whom we work.

In joining AV, you will be part of a positive work culture with access to professional development training, paid study leave, and opportunities for career progression in one of the largest community service organisations in Victoria.

We are committed to supporting the health, wellbeing and resilience of our staff. You will have access to a range of free wellbeing activities including yoga and meditation, discounted health insurance and access to our Employee Assistance Program.

The Team

Functional Family Therapy Child Welfare (FFT-CW) is part of AV’s approach to the Department of Families, Fairness & Housing’s (DFFH) state-wide initiative to support Family Preservation & Reunification (FPR). The FFT-CW team compliment a suite of family supports provided within the FPR model.

FFT-CW is an intensive family and community-based intervention focused on supporting children, young people and their families aged 0 -18 years. FFT-CW uses a short-term intervention approach with an average of 12 to 20 sessions, over three to five months. FFT-CW aims to keep families together, potentially preventing children and young people from entering out-of-home care. The intervention involves a strong cognitive behavioral component integrated into systemic skill-training in family communication, parenting skills, conflict management skills and numerous other skills linked to a variety of referral problems. The program also develops positive interagency links that help families and young people access appropriate services.

This Role

**The FFT-CW Practitioner will**:
Provide an intensive assertive outreach service for children, young people and families to identify and engage key participants, build on protective factors and address risks, and to develop an analysis of the referral behaviours through adherence to the FFT-CW model.

Complete systemic assessments and develop interventions plans in partnership with children, young people and families, using excellent written and oral communication skills, which address referral behaviours and safety risks.

Engage children, young people and family members who may not want to work with the service.

Participate in group and individual supervisions and receive feedback from the EBM Lead Practitioner FFT-CW and FFT-CW consultant regarding the provision of specialist evidence-based therapeutic and behavioural interventions to families.

Work with relevant stakeholders (internal and external) to continuously improve the implementation of our service delivery model and AV’s commitment to improving the lives of children, young people and their families.

Fulfil program requirements regarding case recording, data collection, model fidelity and dissemination and any other requirements.

A willingness to undertake ongoing professional development in various forms including model training, supervision and self-reflection.

Learning and utilising evidence-informed common practice elements.

Carry a caseload as assigned.

Role Requirements

**To be successful in this position you will need**:
A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology and/or related behavioural sciences at degree level with relevant experience; or diploma level with substantial experience. (Refer to Position Description for overseas qualifications)

The ability to demonstrate competency against the knowledge, skills and personal qualities outlined on page 2 of the Position Description - such as:
working with high needs complex families

experience developing intervention goals to build protective factors

understanding child development ages and stages

experience conducting risk and needs assessments

utilising culturally sensitive practice with marginalised and minority groups

knowledge of child welfare services

understanding theoretical approaches (i.e., motivational interviewing and social inclusion)

knowledge of evidence-based interventions

experience in data collection to demonstrate outcomes

working within a casework framework

The ability to perform work outside of standard office hours to service the needs of clients

A current Victorian driver’s license and Working with Children Check and be prepared to undergo Criminal History Check(s) prior to commenc