Counsellor – Sexual Assault Support – North West

Senior Counsellor Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010

Award

SCHADS 6.1 to 6.3 (depending on experience)

Friday

11 October 2024

About Laurel House

Laurel House provides trauma-informed, evidence-based therapeutic services to victim-survivors of sexual assault, their families, and supporters. We develop and deliver programs for adults, young people, and children, including face-to-face counselling at our centres in Launceston, Devonport, and Burnie, and outreach across North and North West Tasmania.

We partner with the Tasmanian Government in delivering the North and North West Arch centres for victim-survivors of sexual harm. Laurel House also runs the PAST (Prevention, Assessment, Support and Treatment) Program for children and young people under 18 who display harmful sexual behaviours. Our team provides community education and capacity-building programs focused on preventing sexual harm and supporting those who disclose sexual violence.

Purpose of the role

As a skilled member of the Laurel House team, reporting to the Senior Counsellor, this role involves providing high-quality trauma-informed clinical support to victim-survivors of sexual assault and children with harmful sexual behaviours, adhering to professional standards, legislation, and confidentiality.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities

1. Provide confidential, client-focused face-to-face and telephone counselling for adults, children, young people, and their support networks affected by sexual violence.
2. Monitor client progress and tailor responses considering their diverse backgrounds, attributes, and preferences.
3. Conduct culturally sensitive, trauma-informed intake assessments and provide information about Laurel House's services, supports, options, referrals, and waiting lists.
4. Collaborate with other organisations to ensure clients access necessary support and to reduce the impact of sexual harm.
5. Support victim-survivors through legal and medical processes following recent sexual assaults.
6. Perform urgent risk assessments to ensure safety for victim-survivors, children, and young people exhibiting harmful sexual behaviours.
7. Provide brief counselling during periods of distress.
8. Maintain accurate client records and files, prepare court reports, and serve as a credible witness when required.
9. Contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of counselling and education programs.
10. Participate in outreach, early intervention, and prevention educational initiatives.
11. Advocate for clients' needs within Laurel House and promote victim-survivors' voices and resilience within the service system.
12. Attend team meetings and staff training, and participate in quality improvement initiatives.
13. Work ethically, especially regarding child safety and wellbeing.
14. Perform other duties as directed by the Senior Counsellor or Therapeutic Services Manager.

Selection criteria

Use the position objectives and duties to interpret these criteria:

1. Experience working with clients (adults, children, young people) in evidence-based trauma-informed counselling.
2. Knowledge of sexual assault and violence impacts, with the ability to apply trauma-informed frameworks across diverse client groups and community education.
3. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including experience with confidential record-keeping and report writing.
4. Ability to quickly learn Tasmanian and Federal legislation, regulations, and standards related to sexual assault, family violence, and child safety.
5. Commitment to continuous quality improvement, professional development, and reflective practice.
6. Ability to work ethically, autonomously, and collaboratively within a team.
7. Experience working with children and young people who exhibit harmful sexual behaviours.
8. Experience with diverse communities or lived diversity experience, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+, migrants, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, and people with disabilities.
9. Experience delivering training to adults and young people.
10. Understanding of sexual assault through an intersectional lens, considering gender and other inequalities/oppressions.

Other position requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counselling, or equivalent, with registration (AHPRA or relevant professional body).
2. Minimum three years of practice experience.
3. Participation in the after-hours roster approximately six times per year.
4. Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or valid work visa.
5. Current Working with Vulnerable People Card.
6. Clear National Police Certificate.
7. Regular intrastate travel required.

This description outlines the role's scope and is not exhaustive. Other relevant duties may be assigned.

Laurel House's Commitment to Diversity

We value the expertise and cultural wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, migrants, culturally diverse groups, and people with disabilities. Applicants from these groups are strongly encouraged to apply, as are those with parenting or caring responsibilities.

Child Safety Statement

We have zero tolerance for child abuse, with systems to protect children and young people. We respond seriously to concerns and allegations, promoting a safe, inclusive environment and cultural safety for all children and young people.

Board Positions and Support Services

We are seeking to fill two Board positions on our skills-based Board.

For immediate danger, call 000. For outside business hours assistance, call the 24/7 Statewide Support number below. Please fill out the form below; responses will be within two business days:

• First name
• Last name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Location
• Preferred contact method(s): Phone, Text/SMS, Email, Voicemail

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