Therapeutic Specialists - PAST Program

Working therapeutically with children and young people who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviours is complex, purposeful, and highly skilled work. At SASS, these roles are designed to be clinically robust, well-supported, and sustainable, enabling practitioners to do meaningful work within a strong ethical and professional framework.

You will join the PAST (Prevention, Assessment, Support and Treatment) Program — an established, evidence-based service that supports children, young people, and families to understand harm, strengthen safety, and build pathways toward healthier futures. PAST is embedded within SASS’s broader trauma-informed service system, ensuring practitioners work collaboratively and are supported by clear clinical governance.

These positions offer flexible FTE (0.6-1.0) and are structured to support high-quality practice through:

• funded, discipline-appropriate clinical supervision during work hours
• specialised training in harmful sexual behaviours, trauma, and neurodiversity
• manageable caseloads and shared clinical decision-making
• strong team connection and reflective practice

SASS is a specialist sexual violence service committed to breaking cycles of harm through prevention, early intervention, response, recovery, and advocacy. We value professional growth, clinical curiosity, and thoughtful practice, recognising that effective therapeutic work depends on both individual skill and organisational care.

These roles will appeal to clinicians seeking specialist, values-led practice within a service that invests in clinical excellence, ethical integrity, and practitioner wellbeing.

About the role

The PAST (Prevention, Assessment, Support, and Treatment) Program provides a safe and supportive environment for young people who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) and their families. Our established statewide program offers individualised, evidence-based care that is designed to address the root causes of HSB and support young people in finding safer ways to manage their emotions and behaviours. We work closely with families throughout the process, ensuring that everyone is supported in their journey toward healing.

The PAST program involves a broad scope of work with young people who may present with complex trauma, neurodiversity, learning disorders, disabilities and other complex behaviours or presentations. SASS is guided by trauma informed principles, and highly values diversity, continuous quality improvement and staff development.

Practitioners in the PAST Program are provided with specialised training around assessing the circumstances which led to a young person engaging in harmful sexual behaviours, and in turn identifying and delivering appropriate support and intervention.

As the PAST Program therapeutic specialist you will:

• Deliver trauma-informed therapeutic interventions to children, young people and their families who have experienced harmful sexual behaviours
• Manage a caseload of clients, supporting their recovery journey
• Collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure the highest quality of care
• Passionately advocate for child safety, supported by the Child and Youth Safe Standards Framework
• Work closely with key stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support for clients
• Engage in regular individual and group supervision to maintain high standards of practice and professional development

We encourage you to apply if you:

• Have a minimum of two years professional experience working in a counselling or therapeutic setting and/or experience with victim-survivors of sexual harm
• Have knowledge and experience working with children and young people in the areas of neurodiversity, complex trauma, disability and/or family therapy
• Have a degree in counselling, psychology, or social work with eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association (AHPRA, APS, AASW or PACFA)
• Have professional experience working with children, young people and their families who have experienced trauma
• Are dedicated to applying child-safe practices and fostering a respectful, inclusive environment
• Are a skilled clinician with knowledge and experience in a broad range of trauma informed therapies
• Have a current National Police Check and Working with Vulnerable People Card

Benefits

These positions will be a minimum of 3 days per week, up to 5 days per week. We have positions in north and north/west Tasmania. All SASS employees are entitled to full salary packaging benefits, flexible work arrangements, paid parental leave, and additional paid leave over the Christmas period.

Applications

Applications must include a CV, and maximum two-page cover letter responding to the Selection Criteria in the position description. Applications can be submitted via email to hr@sass.org.au by 9am, 12th January 2026. For a copy of the Position Description (inclusive of Selection Criteria) please download below.

To enquire further about the role, contact Renae Pepper on 62310044 or email renae.pepper@sass.org.au.

Please note SASS offices are closed between 25 December 2025 and 2 January 2026 and emails will not be monitored during this time.

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. If you need any assistance or adjustments during the application process, please reach out — we’re here to support you.