Make every day at work an adventure

Human Nature provides a workplace where you can thrive. We value innovation and are guided by a connection with nature. As we continue to expand, we are looking for talented people whose outlook and values match our own. We’re all about empowering and supporting young people and offering them innovative therapy in an outdoor environment.

Adventure Therapist

Are you an experienced  Psychologist, Social Worker or post graduate Counsellor who works with young people and is excited by the prospect of working beyond the limitations of conventional practice settings?

Would you like to work in an extraordinary service with an engagement rate of close to 95%? Somewhere that you know you make a difference?

At Human Nature, we support and empower young people to heal and thrive through a deeper connection with themselves, with peers, with nature and their community. As an Adventure Therapist, you will work with a multi disciplinary team to provide therapeutic support with vulnerable young people in nature-based settings. As a member of our team, you will be personally and professionally supported to make a positive difference in the lives of our participants.

About the role 

The Adventure Therapist is a key member of a small team of mental health professionals and youth workers who are relentless in their pursuit of doing things better and differently. The team is deeply supportive and caring. We meet young people where they are at, we listen, support and connect and provide them with the tools and confidence to move forward together. 

The role works collaboratively with our Team Leader and program team to deliver holistic care to young people across a suite of integrated programs.

About you 

  • Highly developed therapeutic skills, with demonstrated experience  in providing effective and evidence-based therapies to vulnerable young  people aged 14 – 18 with multiple support needs including mental health challenges and/or complex trauma.
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to undertake case management and work in partnership with other services and agencies, including an understanding of referral processes and the value of those services to the wellbeing and recovery of the young people and their family/carers.
  • Demonstrated capacity to work therapeutically in an outreach, non-clinical,  and/or nature-based context, or aptitude and willingness to do so.
  • A level of physical fitness and capacity suitable for multi-day hiking, and other adventure therapy activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, bike riding and kayaking.

Benefits

  • Above award salary negotiable based on experience and qualifications
  • Generous salary sacrificing
  • Opportunity to provide meaningful support for vulnerable young people whilst connecting to nature
  • Flexible work hours
  • Work collaboratively as part of a small, high energy team
  • Professional support and development structures embedded into the team and approach to service delivery

Enquiries

Please review the position description carefully. If you have any further questions, contact our Head of Operations, Jen Parke by email jen@humannature.org.au or mobile (during work hours) on 0458 451 618.

How to apply 

All applications must be received through seek.com to be considered.

Refer to the Position Description and please provide:  

  1. Current resume 
  2. Two page (maximum) cover letter including responses to the Essential criteria and Essential requirements from the position description (also listed below):

All candidates must meet the Essential criteria and requirements

Essential criteria

  • Demonstrated relevant experience in the provision of evidence based therapeutic services and person-centred practice working with diverse populations and specifically at-risk and disadvantaged young people experiencing mental health challenges and/or complex trauma.
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to undertake case management and work in partnership with other services and agencies, including an understanding of referral processes and the value of those services to the wellbeing and recovery of the young people and their family/carers.
  • Demonstrated capacity to work therapeutically in an outreach, non-clinical, and/or nature-based context, or aptitude and willingness to do so.
  • High level of culturally appropriate interpersonal skills.
  • Understanding of child safety principles and practices.
  • A level of physical fitness and capacity suitable for multi day hiking, and other adventure therapy activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, bike riding and kayaking.

Essential requirements

  • One of the following tertiary qualifications: Psychologist or Social Worker or post graduate Counselling
  • Valid drivers licence for use in NSW/Australia  and willingness to travel across the Northern Rivers in the course of employment.
  • Current full Registration with AHPRA, AASW or equivalent.
  • Australian residency.
  • NSW Working with Children Check, and clear Federal Police Check.
  • Proof of full vaccination with an approved COVID 19 vaccine.

Please note applications will be considered as received and advertising will close once suitable candidates have been selected.

Board Director 

Treasurer and Non Executive Director positions available 

Human Nature works to change the life trajectory of young people (aged 14-18) who have experienced significant challenges. We know that with the right support they can overcome adversity and thrive. 

Nature is at the heart of what we do. Our primary focus is engagement, through building trust and a strong therapeutic relationship with young people who are otherwise likely to fall through the cracks in the existing mental health system. These are young people who have significant challenges in their lives and who are in need of therapeutic support, but who are unlikely – or unable – to engage in conventional clinical services. We take our service to the young people, meeting them where they feel safe and motivated to connect – their homes, schools, parks and community spaces. 

Human Nature established itself as an independent charity in 2015 and you can can learn more about us in our latest impact report and by visiting our listing on the ACNC website.

We are on a path to build our sustainability with a view to future expansion so we can reach more young people in more places

The opportunity

We are looking for candidates who have a number of differing and complimentary key competences, to fill positions on the Human Nature Board. Aboriginal people are warmly encouraged to apply.

The commitment

We are seeking highly skilled, experienced and visionary  people to join our  Board. Directors will play a vital role in shaping the development and expansion of Human Nature Adventure Therapy. 

The role requires attending 5-6 scheduled board meetings per year. Meetings can be attended in person (In Ballina) or remotely. 

Position description

Click here to download the full position description. 

How to apply

Please submit an expression of interest by providing your resume and a covering letter via seek.com

We look forward to hearing from you.

True compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it.

Daniel Goleman