Team Leader – Child & Youth Therapeutic Programs

Company Overview

Striive Care is a values-driven, trauma-informed organisation delivering high-quality therapeutic residential care and NDIS services across Canberra and surrounding regions. We support children and young people to heal, grow and thrive in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

We operate with purpose and clarity, guided by our values:

• Innovation – exploring new ways to make a real impact

• Motivation – going above and beyond in our support

• Purpose – empowering every young person to thrive

• Authenticity – building genuine connections

• Compassion – leading with empathy

• Transparency – operating openly and honestly

About the Role

As a Team Leader – Child & Youth Therapeutic Programs, you will lead the daily operations of a therapeutic residential care home, oversee a team of Therapeutic Support Workers, and support children and young people with complex trauma and disability. You’ll collaborate closely with the clinical teams to ensure safe, nurturing, and structured care aligned with our Therapeutic Care model.

This is a frontline leadership role that demands emotional intelligence, resilience, and a passion for driving meaningful change in the lives of children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of Therapeutic Support Workers to deliver consistent, trauma-informed care

• Oversee daily home operations, including staffing, incident reporting, budget control, and compliance

• Collaborate with clinical teams and stakeholders to implement individualised care plans and trauma-informed practices

• Coach, supervise, and support Therapeutic Support Workers, with a focus on performance and wellbeing

• Ensure compliance with legislation, policies, WHS requirements, and organisational standards

• Coordinate stakeholder engagement, including interagency case meetings and family involvement

• Promote a safe, structured, and inclusive environment that supports the rights, dignity, and diverse cultural backgrounds of all children and young people.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the community services sector, including 3+ years in a supervisory or leadership role
• Remuneration in line with SCHADS Award Level 4–5, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Strong understanding of child protection frameworks, and trauma-informed care
• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Youth Work or similar; or Diploma plus relevant Grad Cert (e.g. Developmental Trauma) – Desirable
• Excellent interpersonal and team leadership skills
• Strong administration, risk management, and compliance capability
• Demonstrated ability to coach staff, manage complex behaviours, and build trusting relationships with children and young people
• Valid ACT WWVP, First Aid & CPR, Driver’s License, national police check and other necessary valid/ updated documentation as applicable

What Striive Offers

• Meaningful work that transforms lives
• A supportive and values-driven culture
• Ongoing training and career development pathways
• Access to free, confidential counselling for you and your immediate family

Child Safety Commitment

Striive Care is a child-safe organisation committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all children and young people in our care. All applicants must undergo child-related employment screening, including a valid National Criminal History Check, registration under the Working with Vulnerable People scheme in the ACT (or equivalent), and other required necessary documents.

The successful appointment will be subject to the satisfactory outcome of all required screening processes, including National and/or International Criminal History Checks, WWVP registration, and the provision of other necessary valid/ updated documentation as applicable.

To Apply

Submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria via SEEK. For more information about Striive and our work, please visit www.striivecare.com.au

Cover Letter – Selection Criteria (Mandatory)

Only applications addressing full selection criteria will be accepted.

• Describe your leadership experience in the community services sector, particularly in therapeutic residential care settings.
• Provide an example of how you supported staff wellbeing and performance in a previous leadership role.
• Explain your understanding of trauma-informed practice and how you’ve applied it in supporting children and young people.
• Share your approach to managing complex or high-risk behaviours in residential care.
• Outline your experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams or external stakeholders to achieve care goals.