Direct Services Counsellor/Project Officer #Ds102

The Role 

This position forms part of STARTTS Direct Service program and will service clients who have entered Australia as asylum  seekers and who are permanent residents,  who arrived recently and have settled under the Humanitarian Settlement  Strategy  (HSS) and those who have resided longer. The position is to provide a comprehensive assessment, referral and  counselling service to Refugee and Special  Humanitarian Program entrants living in Sydney metropolitan areas. The  Direct Services program offers a holistic range of services including short to medium term culturally appropriate  counselling, group work and community development.

Download Position Description

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in counselling, social work, psychology, or a related field with eligibility for  membership of the relevant professional association  
2. Demonstrated assessment and counselling experience in a cross-cultural context and experience in working  with children, adolescents and adults in a clinical setting  
3. Demonstrated capacity providing clinical group treatment and demonstrated training skills  
4. Demonstrated understanding of the issues affecting refugees in particular resettlement issues, and the effects of torture on individuals, young people, families, and communities
5. Proven excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills and proficiency in the use of Microsoft  Office.
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team within a multicultural environment.
7. Knowledge of the cultures and health needs of refugee communities in Sydney Metropolitan areas and  experience in community development, community liaison and advocacy.
8. Hold a current NSW Driver’s Licence 

*This position is considered child-related employment and willrequire a Working with Children Background Check and a National Police Check. 

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS 

*This role is a Category A role. It is mandatory for Category A workers to meet and maintain the vaccination criteria (as  per the current NSW Health and STARTTS policies). 

Vaccination and/or assessment is required for Category A workers for the following transmissible diseases – measles,  mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza and  tuberculosis.  

COVID19 vaccination is strongly recommended, but not a requirement for employment. 

If successful you must provide evidence of vaccination and/or assessment. 

Should you not be able to comply with vaccination requirements before your commencement date, the offer of  employment may be withdrawn. 

If you have a medical reason for why you cannot be vaccinated, a medical contraindication evidence will be required.

1. Knowledge of local communities in Sydney metropolitan areas and available services. 
2. Arabic / Dari / Farsi / Ukrainian speaking counsellor.

Enquiries: Andrea Pritchard on (02) 9646 6*** 

Work Type: Full-time; 38 hours per week. Contract up to 30 June 2026 (Continuation subjectto ongoing funding)

Location: Sydney Metropolitan Area  

Vaccination Requirement: Category A. 

Salary: Health Education Officer, or other relevant classification based on qualifications, experience, and  requirements of the role. A generous salary packaging scheme is also offered. 

To be considered for this position, please ensure you address the selection criteria as thoroughly as  possible.

1. Complete a STARTTS Application for Employment Form
2. Write a Statement Against the Selection Criteria outlining how you meet the selection criteria (see the guide “How to apply for a job at STARTTS”)
3. Submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
4. Provide copies of relevant Qualifications if applicable (overseas qualification must be assessed by an appropriate Australian body to be considered)
5. Statements of Service from previous relevant roles (if applicable, please ask us for a sample)
6. A cover letter is optional.
7. Email your application and supporting documents to: *********@health.nsw.gov.au

Closing date: Friday 21, June 2024

NB: Depending on the role, if appointed, you may need a current ‘NSW Working With Children Check’ clearance, follow this link for information on how to apply of your check: https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/working-children-check/applicant

Do you want to work in one of Australia’s leading organisations providing treatment and rehabilitation to torture and trauma survivors; that’s quality focused, diverse & committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable people in communities? 

Come & join us! 

The Organisation 

"STARTTS is a not-for-profit Affiliated Health Organisation focused on providing a broad range of services to refugees in NSW. The focus of STARTTS approach is on building capacity and empowering people and communities to take control over their own lives, using a strengths-based approach and building on individual, family, community and cultural strengths."