TRAK Forward works with adult and children victim-survivors of Family Violence; TRAK Forward offers a range of both joint and separate therapeutic interventions, as recommended by the Family Violence Royal Commission. The TRAK Forward program is delivered through a partnership of agencies comprising of Anglicare Victoria, The Salvation Army and Windermere Child & Family Services.

About Windermere

Supporting parents and families is a fundamental part of what we do at Windermere. Windermere’s counselling services support families and individuals in becoming empowered to deal with complex and challenging issues, whilst building positive connections within the community. It is a community with varied and complex needs, but we truly believe that everyone is someone in our community. That is reflected not only in our approach to those we work with, but to those who work with us.

About the opportunity:

As a Counsellor part of the TRAK Forward program, you will use a trauma-informed, phase based treatment framework to promote and aid the recovery of families who have experienced family violence. More specifically, you will be responsible for:

• Actively engaging families who have experienced family violence in decision-making, planning and action processes applying empathy, openness and honesty in all communications and interventions
• Provide therapeutic and a family focussed service, working in partnership with families and stakeholders to achieve their goals
• Work with the family to empower them to manage their life situation and to take charge of their lives, including positive engagement with their community
• Participate in group work facilitation and implement evidence based group work models which aid parents, children and families in their recovery from trauma associated with family violence

As part of the successful tender with Anglicare, we are seeking a Counsellor working 38 (FTE 1.0) or 30.4 (FTE 0.8) hours per week. This position will form a vital part of the TRAK Forward team which will be based at the Anglicare office in Morwell. Occasional co-location at other Windermere locations (including the Morwell office) for meetings and functions will be expected.

Please note, the position are advertised as 12-months contracts, however, there is scope for extension following review. Some flexibility in hours will be made available to the successful candidates.

Furthermore, our ideal candidate has:

• Tertiary qualified Psychologist, Family Therapist, Social Worker or Counsellor
• Demonstrated working knowledge within trauma, family violence, sexual assault field
• Knowledge and experience in the use of current and relevant theoretical frameworks in relation to working with parents and children in the context of family violence.
• Demonstrated minimum of 2 years’ experience in counselling
• Demonstrated knowledge of adult psychopathology, trauma & child development
• Highly developed best practice counselling skills (flexibility, innovative approaches, strengths based)
• Excellent administrative, verbal and written skills

Applicants who are highly motivated to make a difference to children and adults who have faced trauma and adversity and share our strong values to help strengthen our community are encouraged to apply.