• REPORTING TO: Manager, Counselling and Wellbeing
• EMPLOYMENT: Casual, Part-time

POSITION OVERVIEW

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary counselling and wellbeing team, the Counsellor is responsible for providing ethical, high-quality, inclusive, person-centred and trauma-informed counselling to Meridian’s diverse clients. 

Utilising a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, the Counsellor provides psychosocial assessment, case conceptualisation using strengths-based goals and strategies, support, advocacy and referral pathways where appropriate. 

The Counsellor supports clients with complex presentations and intersectional issues including: living with HIV; the exploration and affirmation of gender identity, expression and presentation; sexuality; general emotional wellbeing; the impacts of minority stress; and other support contexts such as managing substance use, LGBTIQ+ ageing and domestic and family violence. 

ACCREDITATION

Meridian is accredited against the QIC National Standards for Mental Health Services (NSMHS).

COUNSELLOR RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Providing person-centred, trauma-informed and affirming counselling services using a range of evidence-based therapies across multiple service streams including Meridian’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  The role also requires the Counsellor to be proactive in a service development role focused on promoting and growing counselling service streams.
• Managing a caseload of counselling clients including conducting assessments, case conceptualisation, goal setting and safety planning.
• Identifying and working with the key issues relevant to Meridian’s clients and understanding the intersectionality of case presentations.
• Strictly observing professional boundaries, scope of practice and ethical standards.
• Maintaining consistent and high quality counselling records using Meridian systems and procedures.
• Delivering services that comply with organisational policies and procedures, legislative requirements and the requirements of the Counsellor’s registering body. 
• Actively participating in and contributing to professional development activities including external clinical supervision. 

ORGANISATIONAL CONTRIBUTION 

• Participating effectively as a team member, including assisting other team members when required and contributing to the broader strategic goals of the organisation.
• Supporting and promoting a strong work health safety culture. 
• Demonstrating a strong commitment to a culture of quality, continuous improvement and service excellence.
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Reinforcing and promoting the principles of diversity and inclusion and modelling Meridian’s values. 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND KEY ATTRIBUTES 

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, registration with a professional body, satisfactory completion of a National Police Check and an unrestricted Working with Vulnerable People registration in the ACT (or the ability to obtain WWVP registration). 
• Professional counselling experience using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
• Understanding of and commitment to supporting Meridian’s communities. 
• Demonstrated experience in the assessment of psychosocial needs as well as insight into the broader range of social factors that may impact on mental and physical health and wellbeing. 
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to take direction, work independently and within professional boundaries and contribute to the success of the team. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A salary package will be negotiated with the successful applicant/s and will be commensurate with skills and experience. Meridian offers very attractive salary and workplace benefits including additional leave for gender affirmation and parental leave. You may also elect to salary package a portion of your salary tax-free. This EOI is for a casual or part-time role. 

All those considering applying should phone Tom Skelton – Manager of Counselling and Wellbeing, to discuss the position in the first instance.