Specialist Counsellor 1800RESPECT

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, established in 2022, and is part of the Save the Children Australia Group. The organization operates with a mission to ensure that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. With a workforce of approximately 1100 employees, 54 reasons is dedicated to providing quality services to children and their caregivers across various regions, remote areas, and capital cities in Australia. The organization values a healthy work-life balance and fosters a culture of connection and support among its employees, encouraging them to grow and realize their purpose in making a difference in children's lives.

Job Overview:
The Specialist Counsellor position is a part-time, max-term role with a duration of 6 months, offering strong potential for extension. This role is designed for passionate and dedicated telephone counsellors who will provide specialized trauma counselling services through the 1800RESPECT national telephone counselling service. The position requires working remotely from home, with flexible hours that include 3-4 shifts per week, each ranging from 7.5 to 10 hours. Counsellors must commit to a minimum of 6 shifts per fortnight, with shifts scheduled based on a 24/7 national roster that accommodates demand for support and individual preferences. The primary focus of this role is to provide short-term specialist therapeutic counselling support, psychoeducation, and referrals to individuals affected by domestic and family violence, sexual assault, and workplace sexual harassment. Counsellors will establish caller safety, build rapport, and identify the best pathways for support within a national framework based on best practice principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Specialist Counsellor include providing short-term specialist therapeutic counselling support to callers, conducting psychoeducation sessions, and making appropriate referrals. Counsellors are responsible for establishing caller safety, building rapport with clients, and identifying the best pathways for support. They must work within a national framework that adheres to best practice principles and demonstrate a deep understanding of trauma-informed, child-centred domestic and family violence practices. Additionally, counsellors are expected to maintain strong IT skills to effectively navigate online phone systems and contribute to a collaborative team environment. They will also be required to work shiftwork on a 24/7 roster, including overnight shifts at least once per fortnight and on weekends.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Specialist Counsellor position must possess a tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or a relevant field, with a minimum duration of 3 years. Additionally, applicants should have at least 3 years of counselling experience, preferably with a focus on supporting individuals impacted by domestic and family violence and sexual assault. Experience in telephone counselling is advantageous. Candidates must also be eligible for professional membership with one of the following governing bodies: ACA, PACFA, AASW, or AHPRA. A strong understanding of federal and state-based legislation, particularly child protection legislation relevant to service delivery, is essential. Furthermore, candidates should demonstrate strong IT skills to effectively work across online phone systems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Specialist Counsellor position includes a tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or a related field, with a minimum duration of 3 years. This educational foundation is crucial for providing the necessary therapeutic support and understanding of the complexities involved in domestic and family violence and sexual assault cases.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of counselling experience, with a preference for candidates who have worked with individuals affected by domestic and family violence and sexual assault. Experience in telephone counselling is considered advantageous, as it equips candidates with the skills necessary to provide effective support in a remote setting.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with clients. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in diverse communities, but are not explicitly required for the position.

Additional Notes:
This role is part-time and max-term for 6 months, with a strong potential for extension. The position is remote, allowing candidates to work from home anywhere in Australia. Counsellors will be compensated at an award rate salary of $52.10 per hour, with applicable penalty rates. The organization offers full salary packaging benefits and support for workplace wellness, including access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible, reflecting the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check, and must adhere to the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.