Principal Practitioner

Overview MacKillop Family Services is seeking an experienced Principal Practitioner to step into a leadership role within our Clinical Services team.
This position combines clinical expertise with the opportunity to guide and influence practice across the team, strengthening the support we provide to children, young people, and foster families.In this role, you will not only apply your therapeutic knowledge but also lead by shaping practice, mentoring colleagues, and ensuring trauma-informed approaches are embedded across our work.
You will partner closely with case managers, carer development staff, and other clinicians to build capacity, provide high-level consultation, and drive consistent, evidence-based responses to complex needs.Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, whether you are leading reflective practice sessions, guiding complex case discussions, or supporting care teams to strengthen relationships between children and carers.
What remains constant is your role as a leader who sets the standard, builds capability, and ensures high-quality care.We are seeking an experienced professional with strong knowledge of mental health, trauma, and child and adolescent development, who can combine clinical expertise with leadership, collaboration, and the ability to inspire others in this vital work.This is an ongoing full-time opportunity (38 hours per week) based in our South Melbourne Office.
You will work within our Southern Clinical Services program, and report to the Lead Principal Practitioner.
Key Selection Criteria Relevant tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Family Therapy or a related discipline.Post Graduate training in relevant child, adolescent and family clinical practice, family therapy and systemic thinking is highly desirable.Demonstrated leadership experience in Clinical Services or a related function.Proven ability to participate collaboratively and constructively in both leadership and participant roles within teams of peers, staff and other stakeholders, as well as initiative and effective personal judgement when working alone.Evidence of high-level consultation, communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with others, negotiate and exercise influence in a diversity of contexts.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:Lynda Manley at Our offer Salary packaging - We can help you to maximise your salary packaging up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.Paid Training - Industry specific training including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Sanctuary and Cultural Awareness training.Fitness Passport - A discounted workplace health and fitness program available to you and your family.Employee Assistance Program - Free access to a wide range of options with all aspects of life such as social, financial, physical, mental health by providing counselling and coaching supporting relating to your circumstance, even including health advice from qualified nutritionists.Supportive Environment - Monthly supportive meetings with your direct manager.Sanctuary Organisation - MacKillop's work is underpinned by the Sanctuary Model, an evidence-supported, whole of organisation framework that brings our values to life.
The model reinforces our ability to create a safe environment that teaches people to cope effectively with stress and trauma, and to heal.You must have a:Valid and current Driver's License;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).
Our CommitmentMacKillop 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.