Senior Child and Family Counsellor – Warrnambool

About the Foundation:

The Australian Childhood Foundation is a renowned leader in clinical services, professional training, and secondary consultation programs. Our approach is based on cutting-edge, evidence-based frameworks, encompassing the neurobiology of trauma, attachment and relational theories, and child development.

These theoretical frameworks underpin our therapeutic care programs, where we deliver a range of services, including trauma counselling for children, young people, and their families affected by the complexities of sexual abuse, family violence, or harmful sexual behaviours.

With a national presence across multiple states and territories, we collaborate closely with foster and residential care providers, ensuring the provision of specialised therapeutic services within out-of-home care programs.

About the Role:

Located in the Heart Program, a collaborative initiative with Southwest CASA, Brophy Family and Youth Services, Emma House, and Winda-mara, the Senior Child and Family Counsellor position will focus on addressing the impact of family violence on children’s development and well-being. Providing high-quality counselling and support services to those affected by family violence, this role will also work on an individual, dyadic, and group basis.

Working alongside Aboriginal and other local organisations, you’ll contribute to culturally sensitive program delivery, play a crucial role in achieving placement stability, facilitate transitions, and provide inclusive support to families of origin, all while respecting cultural diversity.

About You/Key Selection Criteria:

• An appropriate tertiary degree in Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, or other relevant discipline.
• Eligibility for full membership of the AASW, APS, or other relevant professional body.
• Substantial experience in the area of child abuse and/or working with traumatised children.
• Substantial experience in working with children and young people who have experienced family violence, and the system supporting them.
• Demonstrated capacity to provide therapeutic counselling and support to children, young people and families using a variety of client-focused, trauma-informed modalities that support healing from trauma.
• Capacity to undertake therapeutic assessments using psychometric tools to enhance understanding, assessment, and needs of the child or young person.
• Ability to communicate effectively and positively within a team environment and with external partners and stakeholders.
• A commitment to working collaboratively with the capacity to negotiate and liaise with parents, carers, external stakeholders, and government departments.
• An understanding of the complexity of the service system and the issues involved in providing services to statutory clients.
• A commitment to ongoing learning and reflecting on practice.
• A current Victorian driver’s license or equivalent.
• A current Victorian Working with Children Check, or willingness to obtain one.

Remuneration & Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a salary that reflects your experience and qualifications.
• Company-Provided Vehicle: Navigate your responsibilities with a company vehicle.
• Salary Packaging: Personalise how you receive your rewards to suit your financial goals.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access a wide range of support services to enhance your well-being.
• Guided Individual and Group Supervision: Benefit from regular sessions providing clinical guidance and support.
• Collaborative Connections: Join forces with our Australian-wide ACF Therapeutic Services Teams, a network of professionals committed to making a difference.
• Access to an Extensive Resources Library: Dive into a wealth of knowledge and insights from leading experts in the field, continually enhancing your impact.

To Apply:

Interested in this new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children?

Please click Apply Now where you will be able to attach a copy of your current resume along with a cover letter, addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria.

For more information about the role or a copy of the position description please email Bree – HR Coordinator at [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Child and Family Counsellor – Warrnambool enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

ACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.