about Us
Youth Focus is a for-purpose organisation that creates brighter futures for young people in Western Australia by offering a range of no-cost mental health services. Established in 1994, Youth Focus delivers innovative and accessible mental health services and programs across Western Australia to help at-risk young people aged 12 to 25.
A key component of this is our role as the lead agency for a number of headspace centres, including the dynamic and successful headspace Geraldton located on Southern Yamatji Country.
The headspace mission is to collaborate to design and deliver innovative ways of working with young people to strengthen their mental health and wellbeing. headspace Geraldton is part of a national network of over 100 headspace centres operating across Australia with the vision of all young Australians being supported to be mentally healthy and engaged in their communities.
About The Role
- Fixed-term contract until June 2024, with likely extension in line with funding
- Full-time position (part-time considered for the right candidate)
- Immediate start
- The Youth Counsellor will provide a mix of office and school-based prevention and early-intervention services in the Geraldton area
- Prime office location with access to cafes and walking distance to the ocean
We are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Youth Counsellor to join our headspace Geraldton team. The Youth Counsellor position will contribute to developing and providing a high quality, early intervention intake response to young people, their families and community services. Further responsibilities include:
- Work under the direction of headspace Geraldton Clinical Lead to provide youth friendly mental health services within the headspace Geraldton
- Provide ongoing evidence-based counselling interventions to young people and their families
- Provide psychosocial assessment using the agreed headspace Geraldton tool, to determine client suitability for ongoing headspace Geraldton
- Deliver evidence-based brief interventions, including group interventions and problem solving, with young people and their families
- Provide specialist youth mental health support to consortium partners and co-located services
- Develop case formula and care plans, and provide case coordination to ensure smooth referral transition as required
- Maintain accurate and timely case notes and records in approved database system
- Participate in regular clinical case review meetings and multi-disciplinary team meetings to ensure appropriate clinical service pathway and service delivery
About You
To be considered for this position, applicants will have:
- Tertiary level qualification and registration/membership with AHPRA or AASW
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills with a minimum of three years' experience working with young people at risk of suicide, depression, anxiety and/or self-harm, and an understanding of the issues that affect young people's lives
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills in conducting risk assessments, including assessment of suicide risk, developing safety plans to mitigate risks, and providing follow up support and referral for treatment as indicated
- Experience and ability to deliver and evaluate group programs and educational sessions for young people
- Significant knowledge, skills, and experience in the application of evidence based clinical practices and processes appropriate to working with young people and families experiencing complex mental health issues
- Ability to work with flexibility in responding to young people and their needs
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Current Driver's Licence and access to a reliable vehicle
- Flexibility to work one late shift a week
- Be available to work outside of routine business hours
To successfully become part of our team, it is just as important to align with our values as it is to meet our selection criteria. Our values are part of who we are and are demonstrated in the way we work every day.
What we offer
- An opportunity to be part of a person-centred, flexible, family friendly organisation
- An inclusive and welcoming environment for all
- Due to the regional location of this role and based on candidate's experience, the salary is up to $95K per annum + super, with salary packaging commensurate to being a NFP
- Access to professional development opportunities
- Additional annual leave, and other leave offerings, including COVID leave
- Generous paid parental and partner leave
PLEASE NOTE:
- Appointment to the role is subject to the successful candidate providing a clear National Police Check and Working with Children Check card
- Shortlisting will commence immediately, and the role may close earlier than the date mentioned above if we find a suitable candidate
- Due to the high volume of applications received for our advertised positions, only those applicants who are short-listed will be contacted. To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering Youth Focus as a potential employer
- For further information or a confidential discussion about the position please contact Human Resources on 08 6266 4333
To submit your application, click Apply Now.