About WestCASA

WestCASA (Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault Inc.) is a community-based, not-for-profit sexual assault, family violence, and trauma counselling service. Operating for over 30 years in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne, WestCASA provides comprehensive support including counselling, crisis response, advocacy, education, and training.

Our Vision: A world where everyone lives free from the fear of sexual assault and family violence.

Our Mission: To promote the recovery of all people who have experienced sexual violence and to strive for a world free of sexual violence.

Position Summary

We are looking for a compassionate and skilled After Hours Crisis Care Counsellor/Advocate to join our dedicated on-call crisis care team. As part of the team, you will provide crisis support, advocacy, and information to survivors of recent sexual assaults. This role involves responding to call-outs at Western Hospital, Sunshine and the MDC, Werribee-Hoppers Crossing.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 24-hour crisis response in partnership with the Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL), Western Health, Victoria Police (SOCIT), and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM).

• Deliver crisis care, support, and advocacy to victims/survivors and their families.

• Offer information on reporting options, forensic examinations, and other relevant issues.

• Assess risks and safety, advocating for appropriate services to meet clients' needs.

• Record all casework information and submit reports as required.

• Liaise with the WestCASA clinical supervisor and SACL for debriefing as needed.

• Attend support meetings and contribute to organisational activities such as strategic planning and evaluation.

Key Selection Criteria (Essential)

• A strong commitment to and understanding of WestCASA’s aims and objectives.

• Commitment to cultural equity in service delivery.

• Understanding of the impact of sexual assault on adults and young people.

• Demonstrated experience working with people in crisis.

• Ability to work autonomously and remain calm under pressure.

• Excellent communication, liaison, and negotiation skills.

• Current Victorian driver’s licence and access to a car when on-call.

• Current Working with Children Check.

• National Police Check (International Police Check required if you have lived overseas for more than one year in the last 10 years or provide two referees for that country).

• Ability to attend a crisis care unit call-out within a short period of time.

A generous salary is paid in accordance the Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault Inc (WestCASA) Employees Enterprise Agreement 2022-2026.

As per our VCAT exemption H244/2024, this role is limited to applicants who identify as women.

A position description is attached.