Senior Practitioner - School, Student and Family Program

Job No: CCW517
Location: Illawarra

About us- We care

CatholicCare is a local not-for-profit organisation committed to helping those in need regardless of religious beliefs, background or circumstances.  Our Vision is for inclusive, thriving communities where human dignity of all is respected and valued.

We provide services that support people across all stages of life: early childhood education, out of school hours care, community age and disability Care, foster care, school counselling and parenting courses across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and the Macarthur regions. We are proud to offer genuine career pathway opportunities to our employees so they can continue to work with us even if they chose to pursue a different profession within the sector.

About our role- We care about others

CatholicCare is seeking experienced and compassionate Senior Practitioners to join our School, Student & Family Program (SSFP) team. This unique role combines 50% locum support in schools with 50% leadership and mentoring within the SSFP team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, holistic support to students, school staff, and families.

There are two full-time positions available in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven and Macarthur/Southern Highlands area.

Key Responsibilities:

Locum Support (50%):

  • Service Delivery: Provide direct counselling and casework in schools on a locum basis, addressing immediate needs and filling service gaps as required
  • Intervention and Assessment: Conduct assessments and deliver evidence-based interventions, including group work, individual counselling, and consultations with stakeholders
  • School Collaboration: Work closely with school principals, pastoral care staff, and other school personnel to ensure comprehensive support for students and their families

Leadership and Mentorship (50%):

  • Clinical Supervision: Provide supervision to school counsellors, including regular file audits, guidance, and support for professional growth
  • Mentorship and Training: Coach new counsellors within the SSFP, promoting reflective practice and identifying professional development needs
  • Critical Incident Response: Work with the SSFP management team and CEDoW to provide immediate support and guidance in response to critical incidents
  • Program Improvement: Gather client feedback and collaborate with the Team Leader to enhance service quality and implement continuous improvement measures

Why work with us?

We know that a healthy work life balance supports our staff. We offer flexible work schedules and in addition to this we offer:

  • Competitive salaries and leave entitlements
  • Flexible work arrangements for a healthy work life balance
  • Corporate Wellness Program
  • Salary Packaging available 
  • Novated Leasing options available 
  • Excellent training and professional development opportunities
  • Access to free and confidential counselling through our Employee Assistance Program
  • Fitness Passport including discounted gym memberships
  • Employee Journey Insurance
  • Additional paid leave over the Christmas period

What you will need

Essential:

  • Education & Registration: Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling with the eligibility for membership with AASW, PACFA (Clinical), or AHPRA registration
  • Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, including counselling, case management, and group work for children, adolescents, and families
  • Skills: Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with a collaborative approach; commitment to CatholicCare's mission and values; proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Knowledge: Familiarity with pastoral care models, child protection legislation, and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching
  • NSW Driver’s Licence: A valid driver’s license and vehicle for travel within the region

Desirable:

    • Supervision Knowledge: Experience or knowledge of clinical supervision frameworks

About us

CatholicCare offers a supportive and values-driven workplace where you will have the opportunity to balance impactful school-based support with leadership and professional mentorship. Be part of a team committed to promoting well-being and resilience in young people and their families through a collaborative, compassionate approach to care.

Click here for the Position Description.

Click here for the Candidate Pack.

Application Process:
If you meet the above criteria and are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students and families, please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the key responsibilities and selection criteria.

For further information contact Tina Acevska on 0419 462 621.

Close Date: 1 December 2024

CatholicCare Wollongong is committed to equal opportunity in employment and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
 
All employees are subject to probity and pre-employment checks.
 
CatholicCare is strongly committed to the safety and well-being of children and young people, and to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.  Applicants are thoroughly screened prior to employment.
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Privacy Acknowledgment

The information on this form is being collected by CatholicCare for the purpose of administering the recruitment process.  Your personal information will be used by CatholicCare to contact you about your application. This information will be stored in CatholicCare's electronic records management system.  You may apply to CatholicCare to access and correct this information. See CatholicCare's Privacy Policy (available on the website). Go to About Us then Information for Clients.


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