Senior Practitioner

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organization, proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and global movement. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers, including in remote areas and capital cities. The organization emphasizes a human and child rights-based approach, aiming to create lasting change for children everywhere.

Job Overview:
In this newly created role, the Senior Practitioner will utilize exceptional interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to provide a highly specialized response for young people and adults impacted by trauma due to sexual violence and family violence. The position involves delivering trauma-informed counseling and working collaboratively with clients, their families, and key agencies across the Mt Isa/Gulf region. The role is full-time and permanent, situated within the Domestic Family Violence Counselling team, and focuses on creating lasting change for children and families affected by violence. The practitioner will be responsible for providing therapeutic interventions, conducting assessments, and advocating for clients within the broader service system, including police, judicial, medical, educational, and community services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Practitioner will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Providing therapeutic interventions to individuals who have experienced domestic, family, or sexual assault and/or violence, from the initial disclosure through to investigation and criminal prosecution.
• Conducting evidence-based and trauma-focused assessments, case formulation, goal setting, counseling, advocacy, group work, and crisis response.
• Collaborating with clients and key agencies to advocate for, assess, and respond to identified risks.
• Offering advocacy and support for clients within the broader service system, including engagement with police, judicial, medical, educational, child protection, and community services.
• Assisting in the delivery of community education and professional training.
• Providing coaching and advice to internal colleagues to enhance service delivery.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires significant expertise in providing therapeutic counseling related to sexual violence to both young people and adults. Candidates must demonstrate experience working within Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, showcasing an in-depth understanding of intergenerational and interpersonal trauma. Additionally, candidates should possess demonstrated skills in therapeutic assessment, crisis intervention, risk assessment, and safety planning. The ability to work collaboratively with partner organizations and navigate complex service systems is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a degree in a Human Services field, such as Psychology or Social Work. Alternatively, a Diploma with significant equivalent experience in child protection and remote community support will be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and the needs of the clients served.

Experience:
The role requires candidates to have significant experience in providing therapeutic counseling, particularly in relation to sexual violence. Experience working with vulnerable populations, especially within Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, is highly valued. Candidates should also have a proven track record of working collaboratively within complex service systems and demonstrating effective crisis intervention skills.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with clients and stakeholders. Additional language skills that reflect the diversity of the community served may be considered advantageous.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, permanent position with an award rate salary of Level 5.1, which equates to $51.00 per hour, along with full salary packaging benefits. The organization offers professional supervision training, monthly supervision sessions, and a flexible work environment. Opportunities for learning and professional development are also provided. The organization encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. 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.