- Make a real difference to the local community

- Full-Time, Ongoing

- Access to Salary Packaging

- Generous Annual Leave

The Role

The Therapeutic Specialist & Practice Development Lead – OOHC works collaboratively with Aboriginal children and young people who have experienced trauma, disrupted attachment, and abuse or neglect, to support their healing, connection to cultural identity, stability and developmental progress. The role leads specialist assessment, planning and delivery of therapeutic supports alongside carers, families, Child Protection and other professionals to achieve culturally safe and positive outcomes for children and young people with complex needs. The role will also be required to work collaboratively with relevant Wathaurong staff to centre Culture, and connection to Country, community and family as protective factors.

The role will also lead practice development across the OOHC team, embedding evidence‑informed, trauma‑aware and culturally responsive approaches through reflective practice, coaching, and continuous quality improvement. At times, the role also contributes to broader organisational capability by co‑designing and delivering training and facilitating learning forums to uplift practice across programs.

About You

Essential

- Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work, Allied Health or a related discipline.

- Post-graduate training in child, adolescent and family clinical practice

- Demonstrated expertise in therapeutic, trauma‑informed and culturally responsive practice with Aboriginal children, young people, families and carers, including the ability to conduct comprehensive therapeutic assessments and develop culturally grounded therapeutic and behaviour support plans.

- Demonstrated experience working therapeutically with Aboriginal children, young people and families who have experienced trauma and disrupted attachment.

- Proven capability to design, develop and facilitate training,



workshops and learning programs for both small and large groups of staff

- Highly developed communication, facilitation and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to engage respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal children, families, carers, Elders, community members, internal staff and external stakeholders.

- Knowledge of safe and appropriate culturally centred practices for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander focused services, including employment of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

- Demonstrated understanding of social, physical, economical, and cultural strengths and challenges affecting Aboriginal communities and their ability to access adequate and quality services.

- Understanding of the purpose and expectations of the Victorian Child Secure Standards and demonstrated commitment to contributing to a child safe organisation in both practice and culture.

Desirable

- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

- Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

*A police check, Working with Children Check, Vaccination Certificate and current Driver Licence are required for all positions.

About Us

Please visit our website for further information: www.wathaurong.org.au

How to Apply

A Position Description can be viewed on our website at: https://wathaurong.org.au/careers/therapeutic-specialist-practice-development-lead-oohc/

Applications should consist of a current resume and a cover letter, submitted in Word or PDF format before the closing date of 25/09/2026.

Wathaurong is committed to providing a child safe environment. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or maltreatment of children. We are committed to ensuring children and young people can actively participate in decisions that affect their lives. All children have the right to be children and live free of abuse and neglect, so they can grow, learn, and develop. Everyone within Wathaurong is responsible for ensuring a culture of child safety, preventing child abuse, and abiding by the Child Safety Principles.

📌 Therapeutic Specialist & Practice Development Lead OOHC (Geelong)
🏢 Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative
📍 Geelong