Organisational purpose

The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) is a peak body for the counselling and psychotherapy profession in Australia with approximately 8600 members nationally. PACFA is dedicated to supporting its members and the community by regulating the training and practice of psychotherapy, counselling and Indigenous healing practices to the highest standards of safety, quality and professionalism. Our regulatory functions include certification, registration, accreditation and complaints management. PACFA is a member of Allied Health Professions Australia (APHA) and the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP).

Position purpose

One of PACFA’s core business functions is education, training and accreditation, and development and delivery of timely and high-quality accreditation services associated with that function. Additionally, the Education team, supported by this role, manages projects related to the requirements of PACFA’s membership with AHPA and NASRHP, as well as broader initiatives in the counselling, Indigenous healing practices and psychotherapy education landscape.

About the role

As the Senior Education Project Officer, Accreditation, you will coordinate the effective development of accreditation, monitoring, reviewing and reporting of accreditation activities. Reporting directly to the Head of Education, you will play a crucial role in providing high-level administrative and secretariat support to the Head of Education, the Accreditation Committee and Accreditation Assessment Teams.

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating and attending site visits and monitoring the development and implementation of accreditation standards, policies and processes,
• Acting as the key liaison for accreditation related queries, liaising with education providers, assessors and other key stakeholders,
• Managing the preparation of agendas, minutes and reports for accreditation committees and teams,
• Working collaboratively to continuously improve our processes and systems and reviewing and developing accreditation standards, policies, procedures and guidelines.

About you

You are a highly organised professional with effective planning, data management and administration skills with the ability to prioritise competing tasks to ensure all work is completed to a high standard by set deadlines. You will utilise your superior problem solving, analytical and judgement skills when required to work independently. Your exceptional interpersonal skills and proactive approach allows you to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including senior academics, committee members and other professional regulatory bodies.

You have:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong stakeholder management skills and expertise to handle complex and confidential matters,
• An analytical mind with the ability to synthesise information into considered reports and recommendations,
• Strong understanding of higher education accreditation policy and processes and/or the application of education or regulatory standards,
• Proven outstanding organisational and time management skills, including attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines, and
• Demonstrated significant experience in developing and drafting agendas, minutes, briefings, committee reports and a range of policy and guidance documents.

It would be beneficial, though not essential, if you also have:

• Experience in professional regulation, education or health sectors,
• Understanding of tertiary education sector and/or professional education; or
• A relevant tertiary qualification.

Why join PACFA?

Join our friendly and collegiate team where your work directly impacts the quality and safety of psychotherapy and counselling practices across Australia. We offer:

• A supportive and inclusive workplace,
• Competitive salary and conditions,
• Opportunities for training and development, and
• Flexibility in work arrangements.

How to apply

If you feel this role is right for you, please click 'Apply Now' to submit your application by the closing date. 

Visit the PACFA website for more information about our organisation and email Olivia at [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Education Projects Officer - Accreditation enquiry via EthicalJobs to request a copy of the Position Description, including the selection criteria.

Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

Please note that shortlisting will commence immediately. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.