Counsellor

**Full time position based in Hurstville or Wollongong**:

- **$82k - $89k + Super + Salary Packaging**:

- **Flexible Friendly organization + Optional monthly Accrued Day Off**

**Our Organisation**

The Benevolent Society’s vision is to build a just society where all Australians can live their best life. For more than 200 years we have supported people at the margins of society: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians; children, young people, and their families; older people; carers and people with disability. We are an independent, non-religious service provider which supports people to live life their way.

As part of The Benevolent Society's vision, we are strongly committed to reconciliation with our First Nations people of Australia. We remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting the economic, political, and social inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

**About the role**

As our **Counsellor**, you will provide **high quality** counselling services to carers accessing support through our **Carer’s Gateway Program**. Following assessment, it may be identified that a carer would benefit from counselling in order to improve their quality of life while continuing in their caring role. You will provide **therapeutic interventions and strategies** to enable Carers to feel less stressed, more empowered and to gain a better balance in life. This position will use **strengths based** and **person centered frameworks** with the aim to reach self-understanding and begin to make some positive changes in the Carer’s life.

**Duties**
- Provide therapeutic intervention and support to carers over the phone, in person, or via other technological means.
- Undertake assessments to identify effective counselling intervention and support.
- Provide information, referral and advocacy to support Carers to access appropriate resources and services, both within The Benevolent Society and with external agencies and service providers.
- Engage carers using appropriate strengths based framework and risk minimisation processes.

**Our Benefits**

We support people to live their best life. That includes you, our employee. A **‘**best life’** is unique to everyone and can change as life changes:

- **Salary Benefits** -You can package up to $15,900 pa of your pre-tax salary to pay for everyday expenses before income tax is calculated, meaning you take home even more pay
- **Motor Vehicle Packaging Options** - to suit your lifestyle.
- **Work/Life Balance** - Enjoy flexible work arrangements, including hybrid home/office options, and accrue an additional day off each month (a bonus of 12 days per year) as a full-time employee.
- **Recognition and Reward** -** Sector competitive remuneration, various recognition programs and access to long service leave after 5 years.
- **Wellness** -** Stay fit with a Fitness passport, utilise our Employee Assistance Program, and even purchase additional leave.
- **Professional development** -** We tailor career development opportunities to all employees and volunteers for career enrichment, fulfilment, and growth.
- **Our Reconciliation Commitment** -** **First Nations employees are entitled of up to 10 days of leave for ceremonial purposes, as well as the option to be a voice on **RAP working group**, and the opportunity for cultural and professional development that supports career pathways.

**Skills and Experience**
- **A minimum of a current Australian Counselling Association accreditation Level 2; or a Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia **Certified Practicing membership**; or an Australian Association of Social Workers accreditation - ordinary member.**:

- At least 18 months’ experience providing counselling services.
- Proficiency in group facilitation and bilingualism would greatly enhance your performance in this position.
- Graduate qualifications in counselling would support success.
- Knowledge of wrap around and referral services available.
- Excellent understanding of carers issues and how these impact on quality of life.
- Ability to quickly and effectively evaluate the needs of a client who may be in crisis and identify potential referrals that may meet their needs.
- If you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, then we want to hear from you. The Benevolent Society recognises and values cultural knowledge and wisdom of the First Nations people, we therefore strongly encourage you to apply. We are strongly committed to being an Employer of Choice, one who offers, provides, and practices cultural safety in our workplace._

**Start your new adventure with us today**

**Please submit your current CV and cover letter outlining your suitability and interest in the role.**

Have a question? Please contact Nikki Allwood on 0481 106 064 for a friendly confidential discussion.