• Location: Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
• Reports to: Crisis Counsellor Program Coordinator
• Position Type: Full time - fixed term for 12 months (with a possibility of extension or permanency)
• SCHADS Level: 5

CRCC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, sexuality, family responsibilities, gender identity, cultural background or disability. Due to the nature of the role CRCC is seeking a female identifying person for this position.

The Organisation

The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) is a non-government, feminist organisation working to eliminate sexual violence against women, young people, children and men. We provide confidential counselling and support for victim survivors of sexual violence and their families who have experienced any form of sexual assault and/or sexual harassment recently or in the past, and practical support for victim survivors who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or ritual abuse, recently or many years ago.

We provide crisis support and a 24-hour crisis callout service through the Forensic & Medical Sexual Assault Care (FAMSAC) and/or Sexual Assault & Child Abuse Team (SACAT) services.

Our Crisis phone support is available from 7am until 11pm, 7 days a week.

Position

The Crisis Counsellor position shall work under general direction from senior employees and require application of high level knowledge and skills to achieve results within the organisation’s goals.

The position requires employees to adhere to existing work practices and include a range of duties that may involve supervision and span more than one discipline. Counsellor positions are required to apply knowledge through qualifications or relevant previous experience and will be responsible for their own workload management within the role and the broader context of the organisation.

The position involves setting priorities and monitoring workflow in the areas of responsibility.

Where required, Counsellor’s may work on projects, which may include planning, coordination, implementation and administration.

An understanding of computer operation to enable provision of service is required by all CRCC employees.

All CRCC employees must have the ability and willingness to respect and work with diversity and difference in the workplace and in the community.

All positions at CRCC require interpersonal skills to gain the cooperation of clients and staff. All CRCC employees are required to monitor and interpret legislation, regulations and other agreements relevant to the role. In addition, occupational health and safety, worker’s compensation rehabilitation and other standards as set in the National Employment Standards, Fair Work Act 2009.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, client-led support to survivors of sexual violence.
• Provide counselling, information, referral, advocacy and support services to women, men, children, young people and their non-offending supporters who have experienced sexual assault.
• Attend crisis call outs as required.
• As required, plan, develop and facilitate education and training.
• Participate in a crisis roster for telephone crisis intervention and call-outs to medical, police and forensic services, including after hour shifts.
• Provide non–residential outreach services in the community.
• Support clients to navigate the criminal justice system.
• As required, deliver, evaluate and review sexual violence education programs.
• Provide reports on progress of programme activities.
• Write reports and/or Support letters for external agencies, such as reports for the Family Court, Criminal Courts, Immigration, Housing, Centrelink and victim impact statements.
• Provide information, consultation and informal debriefing regarding issues related to client work.
• Maintain client records and collect, maintain and evaluate service provision data.
• Other administrative and ad hoc tasks as directed.
• Maintain professional qualifications, understanding of current statutory legislation and skills and receive supervision from clinical supervisors.

Key Selection Criteria

• A strong commitment to feminist principles including a strong ethic of confidentiality and the ability to work within a human rights framework.
• Experience working with survivors of sexual violence, domestic abuse, or trauma-related services.
• Strong advocacy and communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with a range of professionals.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and risk assessments.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and trauma-informed practice.
• Computer literacy and an ability to keep good records and data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Behavioural competencies in alignment with the CRCC Values
• A demonstrated knowledge of cultural appropriateness and awareness
• Ability to manage stress and to deal with complex situations
• Willingness to work out of hours when required and to participate in the rostered activities of the organisation
• A genuine commitment and interest in working in a community based feminist organisation.
• Current drivers licence
• Valid WWVP card

Desirable Requirements

Previous experience working in an advocacy or service delivery organisation

Current knowledge and experience of the ACT community services and women’s services in the ACT.

Qualifications

A qualified Social Worker, Psychologist or Counsellor with experience in a relevant field.

For further information please contact Human Resources Manager, Jana Turk on [email protected] using the subject line: Crisis Counsellor Advocate enquiry via EthicalJobs. Please do not send applications directly to HR Manager.