Counsellor Advocate - Part time 4 days a week

WestCASA is a community based not for profit sexual assault, family violence and trauma counselling service operating in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne for over 30 years. WestCASA provides counselling, a crisis response, advocacy, education, and training and is located in the Multi-Disciplinary Centre (MDC) in Werribee with outreach to Footscray, Melton and the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (DPFC, a women’s prison) in Ravenhall.

WestCASA is a partner with the Gatehouse Centre, Victoria Police (Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team – SOCIT and the Westgate Family Violence Unit), IPC Health, Women’s Health West, and Child Protection in the Multi-Disciplinary Centre (MDC) in the City of Wyndham. WestCASA receives funding to deliver sexual assault and family violence support services from the Victoria State Government.

WestCASA aims to provide a service that facilitates the recovery and healing for women, men, diverse gender folk and young people over the age of 12 years who have experienced sexual assault, family violence and other trauma using an empowering, respectful, and culturally sensitive therapeutic approach.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This role will report to the Area Lead. The duties of this position description are to be understood within a context of collaborative decision making and participatory governance with respect to the work conducted at WestCASA and the processes that support this. Additionally, WestCASA values and practices respectful communication between staff members and with clients. 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide effective, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive short to medium term trauma counselling to women, men, diverse gender people and young people (aged 12 years and over) who have experienced sexual violence either recently or in the past.  
• Provide effective, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive short to medium term trauma counselling to people who have experienced family violence or other trauma. 
•  Participate and collaborate in the development and delivery of group work programs. 
•  Provide occasional after-hours support to adults who have experienced a recent sexual violence at the Crisis Care Unit at Sunshine Hospital. WestCASA has a separate After-Hours Crisis Care Team however, business hour Counsellor/Advocates are occasionally required to do after hours shifts. 
• Provide professional reports when required. 
•  Provide education and training to the community, other professionals and groups. 
•  Develop and maintain networks and links with relevant professional groups and community-based organizations. 
•  Respond to relevant social and legal policy.  
• Participate in developing and implementing policies, initiatives and practices in relation to continuous quality improvement.  
• Maintain and apply up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based, best practice and legislation that impact on the delivery of WestCASA services.  

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Essential

• Post-graduate qualifications in either Master of Social Work or Master of Counselling or equivalent Proven experience, with a minimum of 3-years’ experience in a similar role
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex and demanding work both for yourself and in others. 
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and confidential records and prepare professional reports. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Flexible and a "can-do" attitude, with a professional and mature approach
• Commitment to and understanding of WestCASA’s Vision, Mission and Aims 

Desirable: 

• Relevant work experience within the not-for-profit sector. 
• An understanding and empathy with the goals of the organisation to provide support and services to people who have been sexually assaulted and their families 

Employment Requirements

• Demonstrated working rights with Australia
• Current Victorian Drivers License
• Ability to obtain a Working with Children Check
• Willingness to undergo a National Police Check (and International where relevant)

Salary and employment conditions for the above position is as per Enterprise Agreement. Your remuneration will include base hourly rate and superannuation.

How to apply

• Please apply by clicking on the job advert on Seek, applications must be submitted including a covering letter and resumes outlining experience to be considered.