Child, Adolescent and Family Therapist

Child, Adolescent and Family Therapist

About the Role

Are you an experienced Therapist looking for meaningful work where you can make a lasting difference for children, young people and families?

Silky Oaks is seeking a Child, Adolescent and Family Therapist to join our Inspire Therapy team. This is an opportunity to provide meaningful therapeutic support to children and young people in the care of the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, as well as their parents and carers.

You will provide individual, child and family therapy, facilitate therapeutic group work, and collaborate with key stakeholders to support positive outcomes for clients with complex needs.

At a Glance

• Permanent part-time – 30.4 hours per week (negotiable)

• Monday to Friday service

• Thursdays are a fixed workday for team meetings and peer supervision

• Supportive, collaborative NFP environment

• Salary packaging benefits

• Professional development opportunities

• Currently based in Manly, relocating to Capalaba soon

Working days and hours will be agreed with the successful candidate. Additional hours may also be available or required from time to time, to support service delivery and funding commitments, so flexibility is highly valued.

Key responsibilities

As part of the Inspire Therapy team, you will:

• Provide child, adolescent and family therapy using appropriate evidence-based therapeutic approaches

• Manage a caseload of clients with complex and diverse needs

• Develop, plan and facilitate therapeutic groups and training programs

• Maintain professional case notes, reports and client data

• Work collaboratively with families, carers and external agencies to support case management outcomes

• Participate in referrals, case reviews, networking, team meetings and collaborative planning

• Identify, manage and report risks, disclosures and reportable incidents in accordance with organisational and licensing requirements

• Work closely with and report to the Inspire Therapy Team Leader

This role offers the opportunity to combine direct therapeutic practice with collaboration, professional development and peer support while working with children, young people and families who can benefit significantly from a safe and skilled therapeutic relationship.

About You

We are looking for a skilled and compassionate practitioner who is comfortable working with complexity and understands the impact of trauma and attachment on children, young people and families.

To be considered, you will have:

• Undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications in a relevant discipline, including Counselling, Psychology, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Mental Health Social Work or Social Work

• Registration, or eligibility for registration/membership, with a relevant professional body (PACFA, ACA, AHPRA, AASW or APS)

• Experience working therapeutically with children, adolescents and families with complex needs, ideally within the child safety sector

• An understanding of attachment, trauma and their impact on children, young people, families and carers

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Child Protection Act 1999

• Confidence managing complex and diverse presentations while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries

• Strong written and verbal communication, case note and report-writing skills

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

• Ability to build effective relationships with government, non-government and community stakeholders

• Current Blue Card, or willingness and eligibility to obtain one (unless AHPRA registered)

• Approved Licensed Care Service (LCS2) check, or willingness to obtain

• Australian Citizenship or valid Right to Work in Australia

Why join the Silky Oaks team?

• Professional, supportive and flexible working environment

• Permanent part-time opportunity with negotiable hours

• Salary packaging benefits available through our PBI status

• Employment under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (MA000100)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellbeing services for employees and their direct family members

• Professional development

• Regular team meetings and peer supervision

• The opportunity to do meaningful therapeutic work within an established not-for-profit organisation

About Silky Oaks

Silky Oaks is a not-for-profit organisation supporting children, young people and families through residential care, outreach and therapy services, homelessness services, and practical community supports through our pantry and op shop.

Since 1940, we have responded to the needs of our community with care, courage and practical support. At the heart of our work is the belief that every person has dignity, worth and value. We exist to help people and communities thrive, especially those experiencing hardship, trauma or disconnection.

Silky Oaks has a Christian faith foundation that continues to shape our purpose, our view of people, and the way we serve children, young people, families and communities. You do not need to personally hold the Christian faith to apply for this role. We hire on merit and welcome people from all walks of life. What matters is that you respect who we are, share in our mission, and are willing to work in a way that reflects our values and workplace cultural behaviours.

We value people who bring the right attitude, depth of character, sound judgement, professional skill and a willingness to keep learning. People tend to thrive at Silky Oaks when they care deeply about the work, build trust with others, take ownership, and bring courage and commitment to difficult situations.

If you want your work to mean something, and you want to help children, young people and families feel safe, supported, and able to move forward, you may be a strong fit for Silky Oaks.

Ready to apply?

If you're an experienced Therapist who wants to use your skills to support children, young people and families through complex circumstances, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to join the Inspire Therapy team at Silky Oaks.

Application Process:

• Please include a cover letter outlining your suitability, together with a current resume.

• Your resume must include two (2) recent professional referees.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a medical assessment, criminal history check and drug and alcohol screening.

Applications close COB Friday 4 August 2026

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. If we identify suitable applicants prior to the posted closing date for this role, we reserve the right to close this position sooner without notice.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.