Therapeutic Specialist - Care Services

Join Meli as a Therapeutic Specialist and play a vital leadership role in shaping positive outcomes for children and young people living in out‑of‑home care.

Guided by a trauma‑informed, relationship‑based practice model, you will influence and strengthen therapeutic care across foster and kinship care environments. This is an opportunity to bring your clinical expertise to a values‑driven organisation committed to improving lives and supporting stronger, more connected communities.

About the Role

As a Therapeutic Specialist, you will:

• Undertake comprehensive therapeutic, trauma‑informed and culturally responsive assessments for children and young people in out‑of‑home care.
• Develop, implement and regularly review individual therapeutic, behavioural and safety plans that promote healing, safety and developmental progress.
• Provide clinical leadership, consultation and reflective practice for carers and practitioners, building capability in trauma‑informed and relationship‑based care.
• Facilitate therapeutic training and support carers to apply therapeutic parenting approaches that enhance safety, connection and emotional regulation.
• Lead and actively participate in multidisciplinary care team meetings to ensure integrated, coordinated support centred on each child’s voice, cultural identity and needs.

Position Details

• Full time, ongoing position
• 1 FTE working 38 hours per week
• $119,350 p/a + Super + Salary Packaging

What We’re Looking For

We value professionals who bring empathy, expertise, and a commitment to social justice. To succeed in this role, you will have:

• Relevant qualification in Psychology, Social Work, Family Therapy, or a related discipline, with eligibility for professional registration.
• Demonstrated capability working in therapeutic care settings or with Children and Young People in OOHC and a strong understanding Care Services and the Child Protection placement and support system in Victoria.
• Strong therapeutic assessment capability, including trauma‑informed and culturally responsive assessment and planning, with excellent documentation and communication aligned with organisational, legal and practice requirements.
• Clinical leadership skills, including the ability to provide therapeutic guidance, consultation and support to carers and practitioners, and reflective practice and coaching to build therapeutic capacity across staff and carers.
• Collaborative practice experience with Child Protection, ACCOs, education, mental health and multidisciplinary teams, with a strong commitment to child safety and cultural safety, including safe practice with Aboriginal children, young people and families.
• Professional integrity, resilience and self‑management, with strong reflective practice and the ability to operate effectively in complex care environments.

Why Work with Us?

At Meli, we offer more than just a job—we provide a platform to thrive, grow, and make an impact. Our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) includes:

• Supportive Culture: Join a values-driven organization that fosters collaboration and innovation.
• Career Growth: Access ongoing Learning & Development opportunities and clear pathways for progression.
• Financial Benefits: Enjoy salary packaging up to $15,900 per year, enhancing your financial well-being.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from flexible ways of working.
• Employee Wellbeing: Participate in employee-led Inclusion Working Groups, access confidential counselling via our Employee Assistance Program, and enjoy paid parental leave above the government scheme.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a team that celebrates diversity and actively supports individuals from all walks of life.

Join Our Commitment

Meli is committed to providing a child-safe environment. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or maltreatment of children. Our recruitment practices reflect our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young people in our care.

Meli is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ community members, people living with disabilities, and those looking to return to the workforce.

Our usual process includes a written application, a phone call and a panel interview, if you require adjustments to the recruitment process, please email us at recruitment@meli.org.au to discuss how we can best support you.

How to Apply

We’re excited to hear from you! Please submit your application, including a résumé and addressing the key selection criteria in the application form. Applications close 11:59pm, Tuesday 17 March 2026.

For more information about the position please contact Jo Dumesny, Manager Care Services on 0439 618 915.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to inspire change and make a lasting impact, click Apply Now and start your journey with Meli.