Senior Counsellors

Safe Steps is the only 24/7, family violence response centre in Victoria, providing a “state-wide entry point” for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. Services include information and referral, crisis response, specialist family violence risk assessment, safety planning, Webchat, and access to supported crisis accommodation. Our vision is safety, support and respect for all victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

Safe Steps are now working with 1800RESPECT Australia, to help deliver the national counselling, information and support service for people affected by domestic, family and sexual violence.

THE ROLE

We are currently recruiting for several Part Time Senior Counsellors to join the team! Applications will be assessed as they are received.

The position provides Senior Counselling as part of the national 1800RESPECT service to those whose lives have been impacted by domestic, family, and sexual violence and/or workplace sexual harassment. The position will be required to work within an established national framework and applying the knowledge of best practice principles. As a Senior Counsellor you will be responsible for providing high quality counselling response via SMS, Voice and Chats to 1800RESPECT service users in a supportive and safe environment.   

• This role will be based at the Safe Steps head office in North Melbourne
• Part Time Permanent (0.6 – 0.8FTE)
• SCHADS Level 6.1- $53.84 (plus weekend penalty rates)
• We are actively recruiting for Friday, Saturday and Sunday shifts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide high quality counselling response via SMS, Voice and Chats to 1800RESPECT service users in a supportive and safe environment.   
• Deliver high quality tailored responses within the appropriate framework and meet the needs of a broad client group.  
• Provide appropriate referrals and support based on the need of the individual client.  
• Ensure all statutory obligations are met as it related to mandatory reporting (i.e. mandatory reporting in the case of children and young people at risk)  

Other

• Promote and uphold Safe Steps’ values of integrity, diversity, and empowerment.
• Collaborate with services to provide comprehensive support for the LGBTIQ+, CALD, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Disabilities Communities.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Minimum 4 years of demonstrated trauma counselling experience (Case Management not acceptable). 
• Demonstrated experience in brief, outcome-focused counselling (preferably telephone counselling) or equivalent experience in specialised sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling, mental health services, crisis services, homelessness etc.  
• Experience working telephone/web based and SMS counselling/ intake/ assessment roles  
• Capacity to work and support self and team in a complex and often demanding work environment, whilst remaining calm and excellent self-care practice 

Education/Certification/Qualifications

• Be qualified counsellor registered with either the Australian Counselling Association (Level 3 or above)
• or psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA- Clinical);
• or be qualified social worker registered with full AASW membership;
• or be registered psychologists with AHPRA (General). 
• Hold Current Working with Children Checks and Police Check, or the capacity to obtain prior to commencement.  

INTERESTED? APPLY TODAY!

If this sounds like the role for you then click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below.

Please note:

• Your application will not be considered unless you provide a cover letter responding to the key selection criteria (maximum 2 pages of text) and a brief Resume.
• Applications will be assessed as they are received. We reserve the right to close the application period early if a suitable candidate is found.
• Applications must be submitted through the Safes Steps Jobs Portal via the ‘Apply Now’ button.

We are committed to being an inclusive and accessible workplace for all. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disabilities, those from diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds, all ages, LGBTQIA+ people, and those with a diversity of experiences.