About PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia Inc.

We are a not for profit organisation who has spent 35 years supporting individuals and families affected by perinatal mental illness, including anxiety and depression, and postnatal psychosis, through Australia’s only national Perinatal Mental Health Helpline.

PANDA grew from a small community-based organisation, founded by a group of women who had first-hand experience in what it was like to struggle with postnatal depression, and wanted to assist other women with the same experience.

Our vision is society where perinatal mental health is valued and understood and where stigma and systemic barriers to seeking help no longer exist.

About the role of Telephone Counsellor

An exciting opportunity to become a member of the PANDA team as a Telephone Counsellor on a part time, full time or casual basis.

We are seeking passionate and skilled counsellors, committed to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of expecting and new parents to join our organisation.

PANDA’s National Helpline is based in North Fitzroy Melbourne, however due to COVID-19, all our Helpline services are currently operating remotely. This role will allow for continued flexibility in working arrangements i.e. onsite/working from home, provided that there is reliable access to necessary systems i.e. internet and computer to perform the duties of the role safely and effectively.

Funded primarily by the Commonwealth Department of Health and State governments, PANDA is the only national phone-based specialist perinatal mental health provider in Australia. The Helpline offers a range of free and accessible inbound and outbound services that are aligned with the ‘stepped’ model of care. The services offered through PANDA’s helpline services include: an intake, mental health and risk assessments, counselling and support, crisis intervention, referral and service navigation, and advocacy and care coordination.

PANDA’s National Helpline has a dual workforce of professional counsellors and peer support volunteers working collaboratively to provide support to expecting and new parents.

PANDA’s current operating hours are between 9am - 8.00pm Monday to Friday AEST/AEDT. People living interstate, particularly in NSW, are encouraged to apply.

Please refer to the position description attached below for detailed information on the skills and experience required and responsibilities.

Selection Criteria

Applications must include your resume, cover letter and responses to selection criteria below. Please note, applications that do not include the above may not be considered.

1. Describe your experience in the provision of clinical services within the Australian mental health system including:
   • counselling
   • assessment of mental health presentations and risk
   • supporting people with complex need
   • undertaking crisis interventions
   • care coordination and referral
   • intake
2. Describe your knowledge and experience with provision of services via telephone/internet.
3. State your preference for part time, full time or casual.

Please note: This advertisement has no closing date, however we do encourage you to apply as soon as possible aswe intend to undertake interviews as required, pending applicant responses.

The successful applicant

Successful appointment to this role will require the following:

• Submission of application, an interview against selection criteria and appropriate referee checks
• Proof of tertiary qualifications and registrations as stipulated in PD
• Proof of right to work in Australia
• Criminal history record check
• Current Working With Children Check
• Ability to work on a Saturday roster if required (Note: penalty rates will apply).

Why PANDA

• This position is paid in line with SCHADS Award, Level 5. Salary approx. $88,757 - $92,775 (pro rata)
• 10.5% Superannuation
• Generous Not For Profit Salary Packaging available
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Flexible working arrangements
• Inclusive, supportive, friendly and positive team culture
• Access to Professional Development and Supervision
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Working in a rich learning environment among experts in the field of perinatal mental health

Equity and Diversity

Equity and diversity are integral to PANDA and we are continually working towards attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that represents and supports the communities we serve. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent., people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, dads, young parents, people from regional and rural communities, people with disabilities, and people who identify as LGBTIQA+.

For any enquiries or if you require specific support to apply for this position, please contact [email protected].

If you would like to discuss this position, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Telephone Counsellors enquiry via EthicalJobs.