Bereavement Counsellor

• An opportunity to work in a supportive, collaborative team environment.
• Clinical supervision and professional support.
• Potential for joining networks with Bereavement Counsellors across other LHDs in NSW.
• Working in a multidisciplinary team environment with other Allied Health, Medical and Nursing staff.

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time or Job Share
Position Classification: Social Worker Level 3 / Clinical Psychologist/ Counsellor Level 3
Remuneration: Dependent on Qualifications
Hours Per Week: 38 (Job Share may be considered for part time hours)
Location: Western Sydney Local Health District

What you'll be doing

• The primary purpose of this position is to provide specialist bereavement counselling, support and follow up for family members and carers known to or living within WSLHD, following a death. 
• The Bereavement Counsellor also provides consultation and education to multidisciplinary staff within WSLHD and the wider community. 
• The role is positioned within the WSLHD Bereavement Service, and reports to the Bereavement Counsellor – Clinical Lead.

See Selection Criteria & link to Position Description at the bottom of this page for further details about the role.

Please note Job Share may also be considered for this role for part time hours.

Where you'll be workingThe WSLHD Bereavement Service is situated within the Supportive & Palliative Care Service, although bereavement counselling and support are available regardless of cause of death.

The WSLHD Bereavement Service is based at Mount Druitt Supportive & Palliative Care Unit. However, counsellors provide outpatient sessions at sites across the LHD (e.g. Auburn Hospital, Westmead Hospital, Blacktown Hospital).

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is responsible for providing primary and secondary health care for people living in the Auburn, Blacktown, and The Hills Shire, Holroyd and Parramatta Local Government Areas (LGAs) and tertiary care to residents of the Greater Western Region. We are committed to our vision of 'better health services for the people of Western Sydney and beyond' and to the delivery of health care or related services in line with our core values of collaboration, openness, respect and empowerment.

Our community comes from diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds providing an environment to develop and implement innovative models of healthcare, research and infrastructure. We serve a unique population with 60 per cent of residents born overseas. This is an exciting opportunity to work with people from a diverse range of different cultures and backgrounds.

Other benefits of working for Western Sydney Local Health District: 

• Salary Packaging Scheme - lowers your taxable income and increases your take-home pay. 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - a professional counselling and coaching service that offers confidential, short-term support for work-related and personal issues, which you and your immediate family can access 
• Fitness Passport - permanent employees and their immediate family members can sign-up with this external service provider which offers access to an extensive range of gyms, pools and fitness services from multiple providers across NSW
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• Study Leave 

How to Apply
Apply online by submitting your resume and addressing the criteria listed below by providing examples that demonstrate your ability before the closing date.

Essential Criteria:

• Qualifications: Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Clinical Psychology or Counselling.
• Registration: Social Worker eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, Clinical Psychologist with full registration with the Psychologists Registration Board of NSW or Counsellor with membership of appropriate/relevant body.

Selection Criteria:

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Clinical Psychology or Counselling and eligibility for/membership of appropriate professional body. Post-graduate tertiary qualifications related to counselling desirable.
2. Extensive experience as a counselling clinician in bereavement, palliative care or end of life contexts and specialist knowledge of bereavement, loss processes, and complex grief.
3. Proven ability to work independently and autonomously with minimum direct supervision, apply sound professional knowledge and judgement, exercise advanced reasoning skills and manage complex cases effectively.
4. Demonstrated capacity to provide education and training to health professionals in the areas of grief, loss and bereavement.
5. Demonstrated ability to work constructively as a member of an interdisciplinary team which may include participation in quality improvement, evaluation or research.
6. High level of communication, negotiation, liaison, advocacy and conflict resolution skills.
7. Excellent computer and data management skills and current driver licence (NSW eligibility). 

Requisition ID: REQ500650
Applications Close: 15th July 2024