• Make a difference in the lives of children
• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package including phone, tablet and salary packaging
• Eastern suburbs location – part time 0.9EFT

The Australian Childhood Foundation has a strong reputation for delivery of clinical services, professional training and secondary consultation programs built upon up to date and evidence and based upon theoretical frameworks including the neurobiology of trauma, attachment and relational theories and child development. This theoretical framework provides the foundation upon which all elements of care and intervention are provided by the therapeutic care programs.

This role will be based within the Child Trauma Service in the eastern metro region of Victoria. The program delivers high quality counselling and support services to children, young people and their families and care systems, on and individual and group basis. Specifically, the Child Trauma Service provides counselling and treatment for children and young people who have experience sexual abuse, family violence or have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour.

Areas of responsibility:

• Undertake initial screening of referrals for counselling to the Australian Childhood Foundation.
• Undertake assessments of children considered eligible for counselling with the Foundation.
• Undertake individual, group, and family therapy with children referred to the counselling program.
• Provide case management for children who attend for counselling at the Foundation.
• Participate, engage and support the research activities of the organisation.
• Assist in the development and support the implementation of evaluation protocol for clinical program.
• Attend and contribute to regular supervision with designated managers.
• Demonstrate leadership and provide advice and consultation to other team members as required.
• Provide opportunities for supervision to students on placement.

About you - Key Selection Criteria:

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline.
• Eligibility for full membership of the AASW, APS, or other relevant professional body.
• Substantial experience in the area of children abuse and/or working with traumatised children.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively and positively within a team environment.
• 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.
• Demonstrated capacity to undertake therapeutic assessments using psychometric tools to enhance understanding, assessment and need of the child or young person.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively and positively within a team environment and with external partners and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and have 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 licence or equivalent.
• A current Victorian Working with Children Check.

Remuneration & Benefits:

This position attracts a competitive base salary + phone + tablet + superannuation + salary packaging. The salary is determined on the basis of the employee's experience and qualifications. In joining a strong, values based organisation, you will also have access to:

• Professional Development allowance
• Employee Assistance Program

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

Or for more information about the role or a copy of the position description please email [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Child & Family Counsellor 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 people, people with cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications will be assessed and continued until the right candidates are sought, no close date will be issued, if you are interested please apply as soon as practicable.