POSITION OVERVIEW

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary counselling and wellbeing team, the Counsellor is responsible for providing ethical, high quality, inclusive, person-centred counselling and therapy to Meridian’s clients. Utilising a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, the Counsellor provides psychosocial assessment, case conceptualisation using strengths-based goals and strategies, support, advocacy and referral pathways, where appropriate.

The Counsellor supports clients with complex presentations and intersectional issues including: living with HIV; the exploration and affirmation of gender identity, expression and presentation; sexuality; general emotional wellbeing; the impacts of minority stress; and other support contexts such as managing substance use, LGBTIQ+ ageing and domestic and family violence.

COUNSELLOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing person-centred, outcomes-focused counselling services using a range of evidence-based therapies appropriate for a trauma-informed service model
• Managing a caseload of counselling clients including conducting assessments, case conceptualisation, goal setting and safety planning
• Identifying client key issues and understanding the intersectionality of case presentations
• Strictly observing professional boundaries and standards
• Maintaining consistent and high-quality counselling records using Meridian systems and procedures
• Delivering services that comply with organisational policies and procedures, legislative requirements and the requirements of the Counsellor’s registering body
• Actively participating in and contributing to professional development activities including external clinical supervision

ORGANISATIONAL CONTRIBUTION

• Participating effectively as a team member, including assisting other team members when required and contributing to the broader strategic goals of the organisation
• Supporting and promoting a strong work health safety culture
• Demonstrating a strong commitment to a culture of quality, continuous improvement and service excellence
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Reinforcing and promoting the principles of diversity and inclusion and modelling Meridian’s values

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, registration with a professional body, satisfactory completion of a National Police Check and an unrestricted Working with Vulnerable People registration in the ACT (or the ability to obtain WWVP registration)

• Professional counselling experience using evidence-based therapeutic approaches
• Understanding of and commitment to supporting Meridian’s communities
• Demonstrated experience in the assessment of psychosocial needs as well as insight into the broader range of social factors that may impact on mental and physical health and wellbeing
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to take direction, work independently and within professional boundaries and contribute to the success of the team

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Salary package will be negotiated with the successful applicant/s and will be commensurate with skills and experience. Meridian offers very attractive salary and workplace benefits including additional leave for gender affirmation and parental leave. You may also elect to salary package a portion of your salary tax-free.

This role is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.

ABOUT MERIDIAN

Meridian is Canberra’s leading LGBTIQ and HIV+ community organisation. Formerly the AIDS Action Council, Meridian was established in 1983 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and has a strong and proud history of working with and representing diverse groups of people. This includes gay and bisexual and other men who have sex with men, lesbian and queer women, transgender and gender diverse people, people with disability, sex workers, people who use drugs, and people in custodial settings. Over this time, we have learnt to be dynamic, intersectional, and progressive with our approach to tackling complex social health issues such as HIV/AIDS and the health and wellbeing of sexuality, sex and gender diverse people. Our vision is to build strong, connected and supportive communities that are free of new HIV transmission, marginalisation, discrimination and stigma. We create opportunities for our communities to live their healthiest lives and be their true selves.

Further information about Meridian and the role can be found on our website.