About DVAC

The Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC) works with individuals and communities to eliminate, prevent and respond to domestic and family violence, and sexual violence.

DVAC has a long history in providing high quality services to women, children and young people who have experienced domestic and family violence in the Ipswich, Toowoomba and surrounding regions working from a feminist perspective. We have a gender analysis of domestic violence that understands that domestic and family violence is a result of systemic power imbalances and inequalities. We acknowledge the many barriers that exist for women and their families as they seek safety and support, and that women from diverse backgrounds can face particular and unique barriers. We are strong advocates for change on all levels. We actively stand against all forms of oppression (including racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, and multiple other forms of oppression) and believe in the right of justice, equality and fairness for all.

About the role

Please note that this is a contracted role until September 2021 - 52.5 hours per fortnight (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). Agreed days to be confirmed.

The Child & Youth Counsellor (C&YC) is required to provide:

• Outreach to community and school locations to children and young people who are impacted or at risk of experiencing domestic and family violence
• Short – medium term virtual and/or face to face counselling services, youth initiatives including groups to children and young people living within Toowoomba, Darling Downs and Southern Downs regions
• Individual risk and needs assessments, safety planning and case management

Service Delivery

• Provide specialist attachment and trauma informed individual counselling to children and young people who have experienced or are experiencing domestic and family violence or at risk of using violence in their dating relationships
• Provide dyadic and systemic intervention planning with clients to support attachment relationships as appropriate
• Undertake face to face or virtual risk and needs assessment, case planning with children and young people and in some cases for children under 14 years their non-offending parent or caregiver
• Undertake and/or participate in case coordination and case management of clients where required
• Report risk management issues that may impact upon the safety and health of clients to the Counselling Team Leader or Service Manager in her absence
• Support and resource service providers in relation to any aspect of domestic violence
• Liaise with other service providers regarding possibilities for collaboration in service delivery, particularly in relation to joint delivery of groups with all client groups
• Liaise and work cooperatively with other workers within the service to ensure appropriate access, eligibility and support of clients in the service
• Be responsible for minor financial delegations attached to the program ensuring fiscal liability within the appointed budget
• Moderate to advanced IT skills and proficient in working with Microsoft Office programs
• Undertake administrative duties associated with direct service delivery and data collection
• Participate in an on-call after hours roster for mobile outreach to women and children in motels or other temporary accommodation awaiting refuge

Benefits and perks

Generous salary sacrifice package, 10% superannuation, additional bonus leave, professional development budget, external supervision, EAP.

Skills and experience

• Possession of relevant tertiary qualifications in psychology, counselling, or social work
• Experience in delivering trauma informed counselling, school based and group activities and recovery to children and young people
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience and or the opportunity to develop knowledge of Child development, trauma, attachment and the impact of trauma on child development
• Experience and skills in working in community-based organisations utilising a feminist perspective and its application in working against domestic and family violence and sexual violence
• Knowledge and skills to ensure the provision of culturally, gender and age appropriate services to clients
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Working knowledge of the Domestic & Family Violence Protection Act 2012 and knowledge of court and legislative proceedings as they relate to the Act, and working knowledge of the Child Protection Act 1999 Qld
• All DVAC staff are required to complete a National Police Check upon successful offer of position
• Current driver's licence and Blue Card

A position description is attached.