Job Summary

The Counsellor/Educator provides counselling and psychoeducational support to adults and young people with disabilities, on an individual basis and in group settings. The Counsellor/Educator also works across other education and health promotion streams within SHFPACT’s service offerings including school health education programs (primary school, high school and college) and the SoSafe! program, ensuring diversity and variation in the case load and role. The Counsellor/Educator plays a crucial role in providing tailored support, education, and advocacy for clients at SHFPACT.

Organisational Context and Practice Framework:

SHFPACT is a not-for-profit, non-government, membership-based organisation, and is a member of Family Planning Australia Alliance (FPAA) — a network of independent, state-based Family Planning Organisations - and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). Our membership is varied and includes community members and community organisations, government service providers, academics and health professionals.

SHFPACT recognises that other population groups face barriers to improved sexual and reproductive health and develops and delivers responses informed by an evidence base, including research, policy priorities and frameworks, and needs assessment for new and emerging areas of work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Planning:

• Plan effectively for the delivery of services according to organisational and funding agreement goals, objectives and output targets

Work in a Positive Work Environment:

• Facilitate a positive, respectful work environment and effectively communicate with colleagues, clients, other professionals and partner organisations.

Conduct Initial Consultations:

• Meet with new clients to assess their concerns and provide an initial plan of action or referral.

Provide Individual Counselling:

• Provide individual counselling sessions to clients to help them explore their thoughts, emotions, behaviour patterns, and guide them towards positive outcomes.

Provide Group Counselling:

• Lead group therapy sessions where appropriate, encouraging peer support and shared experiences among participants.

Provide Psychoeducation:

• Educate clients and, where applicable, their families and support team about identified issues, coping strategies, and support options.

Provide Education:

• Contribute to the provision of high quality, effective and efficient community education and health promotion services in the areas of relationships, sexuality, consent, sexual and reproductive health.

Resource Development:

• Investigate and advise on existing resources in the field and support new resource development as required.

Reporting:

• Provide statistical and activity reports for program and projects.

Manage Administrative Tasks:

• Ensure proper scheduling of sessions, update case files, and manage communications with clients and/or other professionals.

Maintain Professional Development:

• Stay updated on the latest evidence-based counselling strategies, research, and industry regulations through continuous education and training.

Community Support:

• Create, improve and deliver workshops, or seminars to promote sexual and mental health.

Work with Other Organisations:

• Liaise with appropriate partner organisations, professional bodies and networks to enhance organisation, program and service profile and capacity.

Compliance with Ethical Standards:

• Adhere to the ethical guidelines set forth by relevant counselling associations (ACA or PACFA); ongoing supervision.

Observe Employee Code of Conduct:

• Observe the Employee Code of Conduct and organisational policy and procedures in the treatment of clients and colleagues and in the resolution of grievances and conflict.

Promote Workplace Health and Safety:

• Promote workplace health & safety and adherence to organisational policy and procedures with supervised staff and colleagues

Additional Tasks as Required:

Undertake additional tasks as required to assist in the smooth running of the program, Unit and organisation.

Please review the Position Description attached below and submit a copy of your resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role of Counsellor/Educator. If you have any queries about the position please contact the Manager of Education, Health Promotions and Training, Ange Rule, 61633439 or [email protected] using the subject line: Counsellor / Educator enquiry via EthicalJobs.