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 is dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. With a workforce of approximately 1100 employees, 54 reasons operates across all states and territories in Australia, reflecting the communities they serve. The organization values a healthy work-life balance and fosters a culture of connection and collaboration among its employees, emphasizing the importance of 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. The role is remote, allowing candidates to work from home while being part of the 24/7 national 1800RESPECT telephone counselling service. The primary function of this position is to provide specialized trauma counselling services to individuals affected by domestic and family violence, sexual assault, and workplace sexual harassment. Counsellors will be expected to work flexible hours, typically 3-4 shifts per week, with a minimum of 6 shifts per fortnight. The shifts will be negotiated based on a national roster that considers demand for support and individual preferences. The role emphasizes the importance of establishing caller safety, building rapport, and identifying the best pathways for support within a national framework based on best practice principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist Counsellor will be responsible for providing short-term specialist therapeutic counselling support and psycho-education to callers. Key duties include establishing caller safety, building rapport with clients, and identifying the most appropriate pathways for support. Counsellors will also be required to work within a national framework that adheres to best practice principles, ensuring that they provide high-quality support to individuals in need. Additionally, the role involves maintaining accurate records of counselling sessions and referrals, participating in ongoing training and professional development, and collaborating with other team members to enhance service delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates 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 recognized bodies such as ACA, PACFA, AASW, or AHPRA. A strong understanding of federal and state-based legislation, particularly child protection legislation relevant to service delivery, is essential. Proficiency in IT skills to navigate online phone systems is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this 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 effective counselling services and understanding the complexities of domestic and family violence and sexual assault.

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 an asset, as it aligns with the nature of the role within the 1800RESPECT service.

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 communities with diverse linguistic backgrounds, but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time and max-term for 6 months, with the possibility of extension. The role operates on a 24/7 roster, requiring flexibility in scheduling, including overnight shifts at least once per fortnight and availability on weekends. The organization offers an award rate salary of $52.10 per hour, plus applicable penalty rates. Employees are entitled to full salary packaging benefits and support for workplace wellness, including access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees feel supported regardless of their background. All employees must undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check, and adhere to the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.