About Foundation House

The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. (also known as Foundation House) provides services to advance the health, wellbeing, and human rights of people of refugee backgrounds in Victoria who have experienced torture or other traumatic events in their country of origin or while fleeing those countries.

The organisation was established in Melbourne in 1987 and is non-denominational, politically neutral, and non-aligned. Foundation House is a state-wide agency offering services in metropolitan, regional and rural areas, with head office based in Brunswick. We have approximately 200 staff with metropolitan regional offices in Dallas, Sunshine, Dandenong, and Ringwood.

The opportunities

We have 2 opportunities available in our Sunshine office:

• 1 Ongoing Adult and Family Counsellor Advocate 0.8 EFT
• 1 Fixed term 12-month (maternity leave) Counsellor Advocate 0.8 - 0.9 EFT

About the role

The Adults and Family Team is looking for a post-graduate or equivalent professional with well-developed clinical and counselling skills, who can work with Refugee and Asylum Seeker-Adults and their families providing support to individuals in their home, community, onsite at Foundation House or in detention facilities. Significant experience in assessment, counselling and advocacy is essential for the role. A large proportion of client work occurs off site and on an outreach basis and some travel to other Foundation House sites and venues will also be required.

About you

• Degree qualified as a psychologist, social worker, and counsellor or relevant university degree similar.
• Ability to demonstrate your experience providing therapeutic interventions, advocacy, and risk assessment.
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma informed practice models in working with adults, children, and families with refugee trauma background families.
• Experience in a range of approaches in supporting complex cases such as mental health, family violence, substance abuse issues.

This role is well suited to candidates who are organised, client-focused and who can effectively manage tasks and deadlines while maintaining a high degree of self-awareness and professionalism. You will also demonstrate a positive, creative, and collaborative approach to the delivery of these vital services. Previous experience in working or with Refugees and Asylum Seekers will be highly regarded.

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated ability to undertake comprehensive psychosocial assessments and risk assessments with adults and families
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in providing effective, trauma informed and family centred therapeutic interventions including risk management, for adults and families who are presenting with psychological distress and/or mental health difficulties
• Expert knowledge in trauma and its psychosocial impact on individuals, families, and communities.
• Cross cultural competencies including working with interpreters.
• Experience with advocating on behalf of refugees, asylum seekers, or other vulnerable clients regarding a range of issues related to health, welfare, legal and government.
• Ability to write reports for medical and allied health professionals, other services and government bodies, and protection visa applications where required.

Salary and Benefits

Remuneration is based on our Enterprise Agreement 2014 up to $94,433 gross per annum pro rata. Benefits include generous salary packaging, leave loading, a range of flexible working options and a highly supportive team environment.

VFST is an equal opportunity employer.

VFST promotes the safety and well-being of children.

Conditional employment requirements:

1. Satisfactory police check
2. Working with Children Check
3. Proof of the right to work and live in Australia.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants must submit:

• Current resume.
• Cover Letter responding to the Key Selection Criteria above

Please ensure you submit your KSC as part of your cover letter as you can only upload 2 documents.

For any enquiries regarding these positions please contact Team Leaders Kylie McDermott or Bernard O'Rourke on 9389 8777.