Senior Child and Family Counsellor

Full details of the job.

Vacancy No: VN337

Vacancy Name: Senior Child and Family Counsellor

City: Melbourne

State: Victoria

Employment Type: Part-Time

Duration: Ongoing

Senior Child and Family Counsellor - ongoing part-time opportunity (0.9 FTE)

Join a vibrant and exciting team with the Australian Childhood Foundation

• Make a profound impact in the lives of children
• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package including phone, laptop, and salary packaging
• Conveniently located in eastern suburbs
• Work-life balance in a part-time role of 4.5 days per week (34.2 hours per week, Tuesdays are mandatory)

The Australian Childhood Foundation has a strong reputation for the delivery of clinical services, professional training, and secondary consultation programs built upon up-to-date evidence and theoretical frameworks including the neurobiology of trauma, attachment and relational theories, and child development. This theoretical framework provides the foundation upon which all elements of care and intervention are provided by the therapeutic care programs.

The role:
As a Senior Child and Family Counsellor, you will play a pivotal role as part of the Child Trauma Service program providing counselling and support, along with being an integral member of the initial response team, responding to referrals and initial support. The program delivers high-quality counselling and support services to children, young people, and their families and care systems, on an individual and group basis. Specifically, the Child Trauma Service provides counselling and treatment for children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse, family violence, or have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour.

This role will work alongside Aboriginal and other local organisations in the delivery of programs and services.

What you will bring (Key Selection Criteria):

• Professional Qualifications: Appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work, or a related discipline.
• Membership: Eligibility for full membership of the AASW, APS, or other relevant professional body.
• Experience: Substantial experience in the area of child abuse and/or working with traumatised children.
• Team player: Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively and positively within a team environment and with external partners and stakeholders.
• Experience: Well-versed in working with children and young people who display harmful sexual behaviours is preferred. Transferable skills to provide therapeutic counselling and support to children, young people, and families using a variety of client-focused, trauma-informed modalities that support healing from trauma.
• Assessment skills: Demonstrated capacity to undertake therapeutic assessments using psychometric tools to enhance understanding, assessment, and need of the child or young person.
• Collaborative Approach: Commitment to working collaboratively and capacity to negotiate and liaise with parents, carers, external stakeholders, and government departments.
• Professionalism: Understanding of the complexity of the service system and the issues involved in providing services to statutory clients.
• Commitment to improving oneself: Open to ongoing learning and reflecting on practice.
• Practical requirements: A current Victorian Working with Children Check and driver's licence (or equivalent).

Remuneration & Benefits:
In joining a strong, values-based organisation, you will also have access to:

• Competitive Compensation: Salary that reflects your experience and qualifications.
• Set up for success with the right equipment: Provided with a laptop and mobile phone as part of your role.
• Salary Packaging: Personalise how you receive your rewards to suit your financial goals.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access a wide range of support services to enhance your well-being.
• Guided Individual and Group Supervision: Benefit from regular sessions providing clinical guidance and support.
• Collaborative Connections: Join forces with our Australian-wide ACF Therapeutic Services Teams, a network of professionals committed to making a difference.
• Access to an Extensive Resources Library: Dive into a wealth of knowledge and insights from leading experts in the field, continually enhancing your impact.
• Attend an international conference as part of your Professional Development: Access to biannual International Childhood Trauma Conference.

How to apply:
Interested in this new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children? To apply for this exciting opportunity, please provide a copy of your resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria. For more information about the role, remuneration, or a copy of the position description, please contact the HR team at HR@childhood.org.au (including REF number: VN337).

ACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. All are strongly encouraged to apply.