WWILD – Sexual Violence Prevention Association Inc. is a non-profit community organisation that works to achieve social justice and systemic change that upholds the rights of people with intellectual and learning disabilities to live free from violence.

WWILD-SVP Association is committed to engaging proactively in activities that aim to empower people with intellectual and learning disabilities to be involved in the decision making processes that affect their lives.

WWILD provides counselling and case management to women and men with intellectual disabilities who have been victims of crime, their families and supporters in the Greater Brisbane area. We also run groups, develop resources and offer state-wide information, advice and referral services and professional training.

The Royal Commission Counsellor will work closely with the Manager, other Counsellors and Case Managers in providing individual counselling to people with intellectual and/or learning difficulties who have been victims of acute or historical violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation, and who are considering making a submission to the Royal Commission. The role may also involve some minimal case management as well as providing support to the families and carers of people with intellectual disabilities who have been victims of acute or historical violence.

Duties include:

• To respond in a professional manner to people with intellectual disability who have experienced acute or historical violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation using counselling and group work strategies.
• To assist this client base to make submissions to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disabilities.
• To respond to above named client base in an open and flexible way utilising a variety of mediums to concretise their experiences, understand their options (e.g. safety, justice) and a range of concepts during counselling.
• Share in the responsibility with other team members in the role of intake and assessment as required.
• Work with other staff to contribute to projects that utilise the knowledge gained through direct service delivery to further the organisation’s objectives and address target group needs.
• To assist with client community education group work where necessary and if appropriate.
• Actively contribute to creating an inclusive environment for clients and provide relevant referrals, information and advice to people with a disability, their families, carers, support workers and other professionals.
• Actively commit and productively participate as a team member and in its operations to achieve the outcomes of the organisation, the provision of high quality and client focused service delivery.
• Undertake appropriate administrative tasks required by the organisation and prepare appropriate data and reports as directed to the ensure accountability to funding bodies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Demonstrated knowledge of the issues facing people with intellectual disabilities including knowledge of the systemic nature of disadvantage, and how it impacts on people with disabilities.
2. A high level of knowledge and understanding of the effects, causes and dynamics of sexual abuse within a social and community context.
3. Demonstrated high level of knowledge and experience in trauma-informed practice and supporting those who have experienced violence and trauma, utilising a range of therapeutic interventions during individual counselling.
4. Demonstrated experience in developing and facilitating therapeutic and/or psycho-educational groups utilising methods which are creative, flexible and effective.
5. Strong oral and inter-personal communication and negotiation skills and ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with colleagues, clients and relevant sector stakeholders.
6. An ability and willingness to contribute to the work of a team and work collaboratively with WWILD staff and external stakeholders.

Essential Requirements

• Current driver’s license.
• An ability to utilise a range of basic business software packages.
• Eligible for a ‘suitability card’ from the Commission for Children and Young People. This position is subject to pre – employment history checks including a working with children suitability check.

• Relevant Tertiary (or other relevant) Qualifications in Social Work, Behavioural Sciences, Counselling or Psychology

Preferred Requirements

• Some knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system.