Purpose of the Role

The Redress Counsellor and Caseworker provides trauma and violence-informed counselling, practical assistance, advocacy and case coordination to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse engaging with the National Redress Scheme.

Recognising that engagement with Redress is often both emotionally and practically complex, this role supports survivors throughout their journey with the Scheme by combining therapeutic support with casework and advocacy. The position assists survivors to navigate application processes, access information and services, work through emotional impacts associated with Redress, and make informed decisions about their participation.

Working as part of the broader Redress team, the Counsellor and Caseworker promotes dignity, choice, safety, self-determination and emotional wellbeing while helping survivors overcome barriers to participation and access appropriate supports.

This position is a 12 month contracted position which will end on the 31st July 2027.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist counselling and emotional support to survivors engaging with the National Redress Scheme.
• Support survivors preparing Redress applications and making informed decisions regarding their participation.
• Assist survivors experiencing distress, overwhelm or re-traumatisation associated with Redress processes.
• Undertake assessment, risk assessment, safety planning and therapeutic case planning.
• Provide casework, advocacy and practical assistance throughout the Redress process.
• Support survivors to gather information, complete applications and undertake records searches where required.
• Liaise with institutions, National Redress Scheme representatives and external agencies on behalf of survivors as appropriate.
• Assist survivors to access counselling, legal, health, financial and community support services.
• Maintain regular contact with survivors and provide ongoing support throughout the application and outcome processes.
• Support survivors receiving Redress outcomes, Direct Personal Responses or other Scheme decisions.
• Facilitate individual and group-based support opportunities.
• Identify and respond to barriers that may affect participation in the Scheme.
• Maintain accurate records, case notes and service documentation in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external stakeholders to provide coordinated, survivor-centred responses.
• Participate in supervision, reflective practice, professional development and service improvement activities.

Essential Selection Criteria

• Degree qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Community Services or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience providing counselling, casework, advocacy and support to people affected by trauma, abuse, violence or complex life circumstances.
• Strong understanding of the impacts of child sexual abuse, institutional abuse and complex trauma across the lifespan.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed, violence-informed, survivor-centred and strengths-based practice.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake assessment, safety planning, risk management and collaborative support planning.
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical assistance, advocacy and navigation support within complex systems.
• Experience supporting individuals experiencing grief, loss, shame, anger, identity-related concerns and other complex impacts of trauma.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain respectful, trusting and therapeutic relationships.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and complex caseloads.
• Commitment to culturally safe, accessible and inclusive practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, dignity, self-determination and the rights of survivors.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience supporting survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and engagement with the National Redress Scheme.
• Experience providing counselling within justice, compensation, restorative justice or redress settings.
• Experience undertaking records searches, advocacy and information gathering activities.
• Experience facilitating therapeutic, psychoeducational or peer support groups.
• Knowledge of Response-Based Practice, narrative practice or other trauma and violence-informed frameworks.
• Experience supporting survivors of sexual violence, domestic and family violence or institutional abuse.
• Experience working with Aboriginal communities, CALD communities, people with disability and neurodivergent individuals.
• Experience contributing to multidisciplinary teams and integrated service responses.

Mandatory Requirements

• Current Working With Children Check.
• National Criminal History Check.
• Current NSW Driver Licence.
• Comprehensive motor vehicle insurance.
• Eligibility to work in Australia.
• Commitment to Child Safe Standards and mandatory reporting obligations.

Please see the attached Job Package for further details, or contact Nicole on 02 9625 2599 or [email protected] using the subject line: Redress Counsellor / Caseworker enquiry via EthicalJobs for further details or discussion regarding the position.

You are also invited to visit our website: www.rosiesplace.org.au

A position description is attached.