Senior Practitioner, DFSV Support Counsellor/Women's Advocate

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, established to ensure that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. As a proud part of the Save the Children Australia Group and global movement, the organization operates across every state and territory, providing quality services to children and their caregivers. With a workforce of approximately 600 people, 54 reasons emphasizes diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures, and beliefs, reflecting the communities they serve. The organization is dedicated to creating safer futures for women and children, particularly in the Gulf region, and focuses on culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices.

Job Overview:
The Senior Practitioner role is a full-time, permanent position within the Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault team. The position involves working alongside communities in Doomadgee, Normanton, and Mornington Island to provide therapeutic support and advocacy for individuals affected by domestic, family, and sexual violence. The role requires traveling between these Gulf communities to deliver services that promote safety, healing, and wellbeing. The Senior Practitioner will be responsible for providing therapeutic interventions, conducting assessments, and collaborating with various agencies to advocate for clients. This position is crucial in creating lasting change for children and families, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Practitioner will undertake a comprehensive set 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, formulating cases, setting goals, and delivering counseling, advocacy, group work, and crisis response.
• Collaborating with clients and key agencies (both non-statutory and statutory) to advocate for and respond to identified risks.
• Offering advocacy and support within the broader service system, including police, judicial, medical, educational, child protection, and community services.
• Assisting in community education and professional training initiatives.
• Providing coaching and advice to internal colleagues.
• Supporting the Men's Behavioural Change Program for victims/survivors. This role requires a deep commitment to supporting individuals impacted by violence and a collaborative approach to working with a diverse team of professionals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Practitioner position must possess a strong background in social work, psychology, or a related field, with a focus on trauma-informed care. They should have demonstrated experience in providing therapeutic interventions and advocacy for individuals affected by domestic and family violence. Additionally, candidates should have a solid understanding of the complexities surrounding domestic and sexual violence, including the legal and social frameworks that govern these issues. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in social work, psychology, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates should have formal training in trauma-informed practices and experience in working with vulnerable populations, particularly women and children affected by violence. Additional certifications or training in domestic violence response, counseling, or advocacy will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of three to five years of experience in a similar role, specifically working with individuals impacted by domestic, family, or sexual violence. Experience in conducting assessments, providing therapeutic interventions, and collaborating with community services is crucial. Familiarity with the Gulf region and its communities will be advantageous, as will experience in delivering community education and training.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local Indigenous languages or other community languages relevant to the Gulf region would be considered a significant advantage, as it would enhance communication and rapport with clients.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and permanent, with relocation assistance available for successful candidates. The role offers an award rate salary (currently Level 5.1 at $53.43 per hour) along with access to full salary packaging benefits. Employees will receive a generous annual remote location allowance in addition to their base salary, and they are entitled to five weeks of annual leave. The organization promotes workplace wellness and offers a free, confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible, encouraging diversity and inclusion. 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.