Youth and Adolescent Therapist

  • 1 x Full Time
  • Fixed Term
  • Nowra

The Youth and Adolescent Therapist is responsible for providing therapeutic support and interventions to Aboriginal youth participating in the Youth Aboriginal Mentoring Program. The program, through the provision of therapies, mentoring and advocacy, aims to work within local high schools and communities to develop and increase help seeking behaviours, build resilience, empowerment and overall increase the wellbeing of Aboriginal youth, including supporting the development of healthy-concepts of Aboriginality.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE:
8 March 2021

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION 

The Youth and Adolescent Therapist will provide culturally appropriate therapeutic support by way of evidence based and innovative practices, including, strength based motivational techniques, play, art and expressive therapies, supporting the needs of each individual and their families within a school and community setting as required. The Youth and Adolescent Therapist will deliver individual and group sessions, provide advocacy and referral where necessary, and offer advice to schools, educators and other health professionals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

  • Provide quality case management, assessment, therapies and treatment services for Aboriginal youth and their families in a school and community setting
  • Work closely and collaboratively with the Aboriginal Youth Mentors in supporting the planning of activities that support, explore and encourage cultural Identity.
  • Provide support to the Strong Foundations program,
  • Network and develop collaborative relationships with relevant government organisations and community agencies including liaison with schools and community organisations, health and welfare services to build community capacity in order to successfully link young people and their families to support services
  • Assist in the acquisition and development of appropriate resources, including training, which covers the range of issues relevant to Aboriginal Children and their families
  • Assist and encourage clients to develop skills necessary to achieve their set goals as per their case/ cultural plans, allowing them to live a pro-social life
  • Advocate on behalf of Aboriginal youth at school and with parents, teachers and carers including building good rapport and maintaining open communication to ensure appropriate needs of participants are identified and supported. This may include assisting with family crisis situations relating to the young person where appropriate
  • Encourage and support help seeking behaviours and strategies to improve wellbeing
  • Provide a culturally safe place for participants and their families to express needs, concerns and goals
  • Implement agreed measures and participate in evaluation, research and data collection activities as required as an ongoing part of the daily work of delivery of programs and therapies
  • Participate in strategies to disseminate the outcomes of the project including marketing the service to other agencies and communities within the region
  • Maintain computer based diary management system to enable effective and informed client bookings and assist with the provision of administrative duties
  • Attend and participate professionally in team, section, SCMSAC staff meetings and other meetings and provide reports as and when required
  • Represent SCMSAC with regard to child mental health issues on relevant committees, working groups and community groups as directed
  • Ensure the quality of client service through participating in accreditation and quality improvement processes
  • Record and maintain appropriate high quality files and case notes in line with organisational policies and procedures to meet legislative and funding requirements.
  • Work in partnership with key service providers to coordinate, deliver activities and support to engage vulnerable young people.
  • Build and maintain links with participants’ community networks, including supporting and making connections with family, carers, community, teachers and other supports.
  • Comply with SCMSAC Policy and Procedures regarding WH&S, EEO, and confidentiality ensuring that services are ethical, safe and comply with all legal requirements
Download Application Form
Download Position Description

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL VACANCIES

Applications must address the key competencies (selection criteria):  For an Information Package containing position description, selection criteria and an employment application, please download above or contact Human Resources via email hr@southcoastams.org.au or call 02 4448 0200.

Preferred applicants will also be required to undergo a National Police Check and obtain a new paid employee Working with Children Check (as required by the Act) prior to appointment with South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation.

Salary will be in accordance with the South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation Enterprise Agreement 2012 – 2015.