Counsellor

A genuinely rewarding opportunity has emerged within ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS), for a highly motivated and experienced person to fill the position of Counsellor (Health Professional 1/2), within Offender Reintegration.

Through sound knowledge of psychologically informed practice and the principles of best practice intervention, the counsellor will support the delivery of 1:1 therapeutic interventions for detainees with identified needs in the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC).

Using collaborative engagement, the successful applicant will actively promote reintegration, community connection and contribute to reducing recidivism through the provision of interventions for all cohorts of detainees within the AMC.

In addition, you will support the provision of critical incident response to staff and detainees who have been involved in or exposed to significant and/or traumatic event/s within the AMC, and facilitate and provide ongoing support to the detainee Peer Mentor program within the AMC.

Further to this, you will support the planning, development and evaluation of client programs and services, including policy and procedures, including supporting research and promoting current evidence based practice in the areas relevant to clinical expertise - particularly mental health and offence specific interventions.

An interest in rehabilitation, community connections, reintegration and the ability to operate effectively in a team, as well as having the capacity to deal with people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds in a correctional environment, is essential.

The ACT Public Service supports workforce diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally diverse people and those who identify as LGBTIQ are encouraged to apply.

**Eligibility/Requirements**

**Compliance Requirements/Qualifications**
- Minimum of Bachelor Degree in Counselling is mandatory.
- Professional membership or demonstrated eligibility for professional membership of a relevant counselling body (PACFA and/or ACA) is highly desirable.
- HP1 - applicants may be recent graduates with less than 12 months paid employment, post qualification, in a relevant role.
- HP2 - applicants must have a minimum of 12 months paid work employment, post qualification, in a relevant role.
- Demonstrated experience in individual counselling roles with people with identified needs would be a distinct advantage.
- Experience within a forensic setting is desirable but not essential.
- This position requires a Police Record Check.
- This position requires a pre-employment medical.
- Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under the _Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011_ is required. For further information on Working with Vulnerable People registration refer to - Working with vulnerable people (WWVP) registration (act.gov.au)

**Notes**: This position will be filled based on the skills and experience of the successful applicant. New graduates with less than 12 months professional experience will be eligible for employment at the Health Professional Level 1 classification only.

**How to Apply**:To apply, applicants are required to submit two items: (1) a one to three page written response addressing the professional/technical skills and knowledge, and behavioural capabilities having regard for the job requirements; and (2) a current resume including the names and contact details of two referees (one should be a current Supervisor/Manager. Please ensure you submit all required items.