Careers

COUNSELLOR ADVOCATE CHILD & FAMILY

Classification: Health and Professional Services Award

Position Fraction:  Full time –   (0.8 – 1 EFT)

 Location:                                  

• Servicing East Gippsland and Wellington Shire (Bairnsdale & Sale)

________________________________________________________________

APPLICATION INFORMATION

• Application must include statements addressing each of the selection criteria listed.  This is most important, as consideration for interview will be based on whether the essential requirements of the position are addressed within your application.
• Applications should include a current resume with 3 referees names and contact details.
• GCASA recognises, welcomes, and respects people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and diverse cultures, gender, sex, and sexuality.
• Please identity your area of interest.

All applications are to be emailed and marked ‘Confidential application for Counsellor/Advocate Child & Family and emailed to: 

Jane Barr

CEO

Email : [email protected]

If you have any further queries regarding this position, please contact:

Jane Barr, CEO on 5134 3922.

The Agency

1. The Centre Against Sexual Assault Gippsland (GCASA) is an incorporated not for profit community organisation that is governed by a Board. Funding is received from the Victorian Government. We employ over 40 staff with qualifications ranging in psychology, social work, family therapy and psychotherapy. Our primary site is in Morwell, with offices in Bairnsdale and Warragul. GCASA outpost to Sale (Headspace in Sale), Leongatha (Community College Gippsland) and Wonthaggi (Headspace).
2. Our services include free and confidential specialist counselling to adults, young people and children who have experienced sexual assault either recently or in the past, and to their non-offending parents, partners, family, and friends. We also offer a 24-hour crisis care response to victims of recent sexual assault and or family violence including crisis counselling, support and advocacy, medical care, and justice services.
3. GCASA provides a family focused, prevention and early intervention therapeutic service to children and young people under the age of 18 who have engaged in problematic or harmful sexualised behaviours in the REFOCUS Service. We also provide specialised advocacy, secondary consultation, community education and professional training across the sector and within the community.
4. We are committed to the development of a positive and supportive work environment and strive to provide a family friendly workplace with flexible working arrangements. We provide clinical supervision, encourage continuous learning, and focus on excellence in client outcomes and organisational objectives.
5. GCASA is a partner in the Morwell Multi-Disciplinary Centre (MDC). In the MDC we are co-located with Victoria Police, Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT); Child Protection staff from Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH); Victims Assistance Program and Community Health nurses from Latrobe Community Health. In this specialised model, partner organisations support adult and child victims from first disclosure of sexual assault to criminal prosecution.
6. We uphold a feminist philosophy, and our aim is to provide an empowering, respectful, and culturally sensitive service committed to best practice.
7. GCASA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and social inclusion. We welcome applications from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including those from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTIQA+.

Your Agency Relationships

Report relationship

This position is accountable through a Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Manager / CEO to the Board of Governance, for conduct of all clients related work, through supervision, periodic reviews, Agency meetings and other activities.

Relationships with other staff

Develop and maintain co-operative working relationships with all staff of the Agency. Share resources and knowledge seek assistance when needed and be open to different perspectives.

Organisational Culture

Every employee authentically demonstrates GCASA values of Respect, Dignity, Integrity and Empowerment in their daily behaviours and interactions within their workplace and in the community. GCASA is an organisation committed to the continual learning and development of our employees. Our best practice models are dynamic; evolving and informed in line with developments in practice and research, and our organisational values. The CEO and the Clincial leadership team support employees in their personal and professional development. All GCASA staff take responsibility for their actions within the workplace.

Internal and external Stakeholders

GCASA is co located across a range of locations. Our external relationships extend to our partners, who include Victoria Police Sexual Offence & Human Services – Child Protection (CP) team. This role will also liaise with family violence services, mental health, schools, and other community and allied health services. It is the expectation that all GCASA staff members actively established and develop relationships with our key stakeholders to improve outcomes for our clients.

Position Overview and Accountabilities

This position provides specialised counselling to children, young people and their families/care adults who have experienced sexual assault or family violence, and to their non-offending family or friends.

This position has a primary focus of working with children, young people, and their caregivers/ families.

The position is supported by a team of highly skilled and qualified practitioners and receives regular clinical and line management supervision and valuable peer and organisational support.

The positions are based across Gippsland as outlined above and will also be required to provide outreach as required as specified.

Counsellor/Advocate Child & Family

• Manage an agreed case load, the numbers of cases are dependent on the EFT worked
• Conduct assessments and develop therapeutic treatment and counselling plans with clear goals
• Therapeutic treatment can range from short to long term and will be reviewed at regular intervals
• Therapeutic planning and services delivery engages the system around the client including family/carers and the service system.
• Work therapeutically with family/care units as guided by clinical assessment which may include, individual, dyadic (carer & child) and family counselling.
• Provide child focused parent/carer support.

Position Overview and Accountabilities

 This position provides specialised sexual assault counselling to children, young people and their families/care adults who have experienced sexual assault and to their non-offending family or friends.

Direct Service

• The provision of therapeutic counselling to children and young people, who have experienced or have been impacted sexual assault. This includes assessing children or young people’s psychological, social, cognitive, and medical needs, family relationships, risk factors, risk identification and management.
• Involve family or carers and working with other care or support systems.
• Provide advocacy and support for people, as agreed by them within the broader service system including but not limited to, police, judicial, medical, educational, child protection, community services and family services.
• Provide expert advice and secondary consultation to other professionals and organisations in relation to sexual assault and family violence.
• Maintain appropriate client records and statistical requirements and provide professional reports as required and manage case load requirements.
• Where required, participate in an intake system to provide an initial response to referrals and enquiries received from professionals, MDC partners and the public, managing crisis presentations, secondary consultations, and intake appointments.
• In accordance with the strategic plan, assist in the delivery of community education and professional training to raise awareness of sexual assault as appropriate.
• Participate in the development and delivery of group programs to families, children, young people, and adults.
• Develop and maintain networks with relevant professional groups and community-based organisations.
• Provide business hours crisis care support to people who have experienced a recent sexual assault as requested and contribute to the intake of clients within GCASA Service.

Organisational Responsibilities

• Attend regular line management and clinical supervision) to develop own clinical practice, ensure quality client outcomes, assess, and manage client risk, manage potential impacts of the work on personal well-being, and ensure administrative requirements of the role are managed.
• Awareness and observation of the policies and procedures of the organisation.
• Comply with relevant social and legal policy, as required.
• Participate in Team Meetings, Clinical Case studies, learning & development and peer reflective practice sessions and professional development.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement and development of best practice.
• Contribute to research and presentations, including but not limited to conferences, training and journal articles regarding GCASA practice.
• Plan your time effectively to manage competing demands ensuring you meet the requirements of the role.
• Participate in other activities and meetings relevant to GCASA

Key Selection Criteria

1. Degree level qualification or equivalent certification from a nationally accredited provider in social welfare, counselling, social work, family therapy, psychology, creative arts therapies, or community mental health nursing and a minimum of 2 years recent trauma counselling experience working with children and their families with a comprehensive understanding of child developmental theory and experience counselling.
2. Knowledge related to the incidence and impact of sexual assault, and an understanding of the gender dynamics that support the occurrence of sexual assault.
3. Demonstrated understanding and experience with providing clinical assessment including case formulation, the provision of therapeutic recommendations and goal and intervention planning.
4. Demonstrated understanding and application of child development theories underpinning trauma – informed counselling for children, young people, and adults, including feminist empowerment philosophy and social inclusion theory.
5. Well-developed client record keeping capacity, including case noting, administrative and time management skills, and the ability to multi-task and use a broad range of computer and IT skills.
6. Knowledge of the legislative requirements governing the collection and storage of personal information; client confidentiality and the protection of all GCASA clients.

Other

The successful applicant will be appointed for a six-month probationary period during which time, regular clinical and line management supervision is provided. At the conclusion of this period a performance review will be held with the Clinical Manager and Senior Clinician (Supervisor); after which, a decision will be made to offer ongoing employment or to cease employment with the Agency.

The successful applicant will:

• Be willing to travel across the region and to Melbourne as required.
• hold a current Victorian driver’s licence.
• Hold a current Working with Children’s check
• Provide current National police check.
• Must be Vaccinated for COVID-19
• Be available to work Wednesdays to attend Team & Community of Practice Meetings
• Clinical Supervision

Senior Clinician Child & Family

Classification:  Health and Professional Services Award

Position Fraction: Full time 76 hours per fortnight or 0.8 minimum

Location:   Based in Latrobe City within the Multidisciplinary Centre (Morwell and outreach across Gippsland).

________________________________________________________________

APPLICATION INFORMATION

• Application must include statements addressing each of the selection criteria listed.  This is most important, as consideration for interview will be based on whether the essential requirements of the position are addressed within your application.
• Applications should include a current resume with 3 referees names and contact details.
• GCASA recognises, welcomes, and respects people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and diverse cultures, gender, sex, and sexuality.

All applications are to be emailed and marked ‘Confidential application for Counsellor/Advocate Child & Family and emailed to:

Jane Barr

CEO                                                                                      Email : [email protected]

If you have any further queries regarding this position, please contact:

Jane Barr, CEO on 5134 3922.

The Agency

1.  The Centre Against Sexual Assault Gippsland (GCASA) is an incorporated not for profit community organisation that is governed by a Board. Funding is received from the Victorian Government. We employ over 40 staff with qualifications ranging in psychology, social work, family therapy and psychotherapy. Our primary site is in Morwell, with offices in Bairnsdale and Warragul. GCASA outpost to Sale (Headspace in Sale), Leongatha (Community College Gippsland) and Wonthaggi (Headspace).
2. Our services include free and confidential specialist counselling to adults, young people and children who have experienced sexual assault either recently or in the past, and to their non-offending parents, partners, family, and friends. We also offer a 24-hour crisis care response to victims of recent sexual assault and or family violence including crisis counselling, support and advocacy, medical care, and justice services.
3. GCASA provides a family focused, prevention and early intervention therapeutic service to children and young people under the age of 18 who have engaged in problematic or harmful sexualised behaviours in the REFOCUS Service. We also provide specialised advocacy, secondary consultation, community education and professional training across the sector and within the community.
4. We are committed to the development of a positive and supportive work environment and strive to provide a family friendly workplace with flexible working arrangements. We provide clinical supervision, encourage continuous learning, and focus on excellence in client outcomes and organisational objectives.
5. GCASA is a partner in the Morwell Multi-Disciplinary Centre (MDC). In the MDC we are co-located with Victoria Police, Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT); Child Protection staff from Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH); Victims Assistance Program and Community Health nurses from Latrobe Community Health. In this specialised model, partner organisations support adult and child victims from first disclosure of sexual assault to criminal prosecution.
6. We uphold a feminist philosophy, and our aim is to provide an empowering, respectful, and culturally sensitive service committed to best practice.
7. GCASA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and social inclusion. We welcome applications from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including those from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTIQA+.

Your Agency Relationships

This position is accountable through a Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Manager / CEO to the Board of Governance, for conduct of all clients related work, through supervision, periodic reviews, Agency meetings and other activities.

Relationships with other staff

Develop and maintain co-operative working relationships with all staff of the Agency. Share resources and knowledge seek assistance when needed and be open to different perspectives.

Organisational Culture

Every employee authentically demonstrates GCASA values of Respect, Dignity, Integrity and Empowerment in their daily behaviours and interactions within their workplace and in the community. GCASA is an organisation committed to the continual learning and development of our employees. Our best practice models are dynamic; evolving and informed in line with developments in practice and research, and our organisational values. The CEO and the Clincial leadership team support employees in their personal and professional development. All GCASA staff take responsibility for their actions within the workplace.

Internal and external Stakeholders

GCASA is co located across a range of locations. Our external relationships extend to our partners, who include Victoria Police Sexual Offence & Human Services – Child Protection (CP) team. This role will also liaise with family violence services, mental health, schools, and other community and allied health services. It is the expectation that all GCASA staff members actively established and develop relationships with our key stakeholders to improve outcomes for our clients.

Position Overview and Accountabilities

The role of Senior Clinician Child and Family offers clinical oversight and supervision to a team of Counsellor Advocates (Child & Family) specialising in sexual assault counselling to children, young people and their families/care adults who have experienced sexual assault or family violence, and to their non-offending family or friends.

This position has a primary focus on therapeutic service development in the context of GCASA Clinical Governance Framework and the integration of clinical

The position is supported by the Clinical Manager.  This role forms part of a Clinical leadership team which work collaboratively to support the quality, of client service provision across our services.

The position is based in Morwell Victoria and will be required to provide outreach services across the Gippsland Region.

Senior Clinician Child & Family

The primary objectives of the role are to:

• Lead and cultivate the continuous development of a small team of Sexual Assault Counsellor Advocates (Child & Family).
• Guide and support their client assessments and the development of therapeutic treatment and counselling plans with clear goals.
• Therapeutic treatment can range from short to long term and will be reviewed at regular intervals
• Support team members ongoing therapeutic planning and services delivery engagement with the system working with families and their support system.
• Lead ongoing service development, working under the supervision of the Clinical Manager; and beside GCASA’s Clincial leadership team.

Position Overview and Accountabilities

This position provides Clinical leadership, supervision, and guidance to a team of Sexual Assault Counsellor Advocates (Child & Youth) being developed within the Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault.

Direct Service

This position has oversight of the following:

• The provision of therapeutic counselling and advocacy for children and young people, who have experienced or have been impacted sexual assault. This includes ensuring GCASA’s assessment of children and young people’s psychological, social, cognitive, medical needs, family relationships, risk factors and risk identification and management remains of the highest quality.
• Leading and cultivating positive team development and supporting professional development of your team.
• Lead the involvement of family or carers and working with other care or support systems to achieve goals.
• Provide advocacy and support within the broader service system including but not limited to, police, judicial, medical, educational, child protection, community services and family support services.
• Provide advice and secondary consultation to other professionals and organisations in relation to sexual assault and family violence.
• Monitor and maintain appropriate systems and governance of client records and statistical requirements and provide professional reports as required to manage case load requirements and quality service provision.
• Where required, provide an initial response to referrals and enquiries received from professionals, MDC partners and the public, managing crisis presentations, secondary consultations, and intake appointments.
• In accordance with the strategic plan, assist in the delivery of community education and professional training to raise awareness of sexual assault as appropriate.
• Participate in the development and delivery of group programs to families, children, young people, and adults.
• Develop and maintain networks with relevant professional groups and community-based organisations.
• Support where required, business hours crisis care support to people who have experienced a recent sexual assault as requested and contribute to the intake of clients within GCASA Service.

Organisational Responsibilities

• Attend and provide regular line management and clinical supervision) to continue to develop own clinical practice, ensuring quality client outcomes, assess, and manage client risk, manage potential impacts of the work on personal well-being, and ensure administrative requirements of the role are managed.
• Awareness and observation of the policies and procedures of the organisation.
• Comply with relevant social and legal policy, as required.
• Participate and report in Team Meetings, Clinical Case studies, learning & development and peer reflective practice sessions and professional development.
• Participate and lead continuous quality improvement and development of best practice.
• Contribute to research and presentations, including but not limited to conferences, training and journal articles regarding GCASA practice.
• Plan your time effectively to manage competing demands ensuring you meet the requirements of the role.
• Participate in other activities and meetings relevant to GCASA

Key Selection Criteria

1. Degree level qualification or equivalent certification from a nationally accredited provider in social welfare, counselling, social work, family therapy, psychology, creative arts therapies, or community mental health nursing and a minimum of 2 years recent supervisory experience working with children and their families.
2. Knowledge related to the incidence and impact of sexual assault, as well as an understanding of the gender dynamics that support the occurrence of sexual assault.
3. Demonstrated understanding and experience with providing / guiding clinical assessment including case formulation, the provision of therapeutic recommendations and goal and intervention planning in a supervisory role.
4. Demonstrated understanding and application of theoretical frameworks underpinning trauma – informed counselling for children, young people, and adults, including feminist empowerment philosophy and social inclusion theory.
5. Demonstrated understanding of child development theories (including cognitive, psychological, and relational).
6. Well-developed client record keeping capacity, including case noting, administrative and time management skills, and the ability to multi-task and use a broad range of computer and IT skills.
7. Knowledge of the legislative requirements governing the collection and storage of personal information; client confidentiality and the protection of all GCASA clients.

12. Other

The successful applicant will be appointed for a six-month probationary period during which time, regular clinical and line management supervision is provided. At the conclusion of this period a performance review will be held with the Clinical Manager and Senior Clinician (Supervisor); after which, a decision will be made to offer ongoing employment or to cease employment with the Agency.

The successful applicant will:

• Be willing to travel across the region and to Melbourne for professional development as required.
• hold a current Victorian driver’s licence.
• Hold a current Working with Children’s check
• Provide current National police check.
• Must be Vaccinated for COVID-19
• Be available to work Wednesdays to attend Team & Community of Practice Meetings
• Clinical Supervision

Intake Counsellor Advocate

Classification:  Health and Professional Services Award

Position Fraction:      0.8 – full time 

Location:          Based in Morwell at the Multidisciplinary Centre

__________________________________________________________________ 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

• Application must include statements addressing each of the selection criteria listed.  This is most important, as consideration for interview will be based on whether the essential requirements of the position are addressed within your application.
• Applications should include a current resume with 3 referees names and contact details.
• GCASA is culturally inclusive and welcomes applications from diverse cultures including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

All applications are to be emailed and marked ‘Confidential application for the role of Intake Counsellor Advocate and emailed to:

Jane Barr

CEO

Email : [email protected]

If you have any further queries regarding this  position, please contact:

Jane Barr

Chief Executive Officer on 5134 3922.

The Agency

Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault (GCASA) core funding comes through Family Safety Victoria – Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Victoria.   GCASA is managed by an incorporated community-based Board of Governance and is funded to provide comprehensive sexual assault and prevention services across the Inner and Outer Gippsland region, which extends from Bunyip River to the NSW border at Mallacoota, and from the Great Divide to the sea, including Phillip Island.  The primary offices are in Morwell, Bairnsdale, and Warragul. Outreach sessions are offered in Orbost, Sale, Leongatha, and Wonthaggi.   The Agency is co-located with Headspace in Sale and Wonthaggi.

The Agency operates within a framework that actively supports the protection of the rights, integrity, autonomy and dignity of women, men and children who have experienced recent and/or non-recent sexual assault.  GCASA works within a trauma informed care approach and all staff are supported to work within this framework.

The Agency provides support to their families, carers and other support networks that may include information, resources, counselling, and group work.  The Agency provides consultancy and professional training for other workers to increase professional knowledge about the incidence, causes and effects of sexual assault, and to develop skills in responding sensitively to people’s needs.  The Agency provides assessment and treatment for children demonstrating problematic sexual behaviour and to young people demonstrating harmful sexual behaviour.

The Agency works within the community to reduce the incidence of sexual assault, to increase awareness and to build the capacity of community members to appropriately respond.  Community development activities that promote social inclusion within and across marginalised groups are an integral part of the organisation’s mandate.

GCASA is co-located in a Multidisciplinary Centre (MDC) with its partners, Victoria Police Sexual Offence & Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) and a smaller Department of Health and Human Services – Child Protection (CP) team.  MDCs are funded by the Victorian Government, with existing MDCs already in Mildura, Frankston, Seaford, Ballarat, Wyndym, Geelong, Dandenong and Bendigo.

SOCIT investigate reports of sexual assault against adults, young people and children.  SOCIT and CP work together to protect the community from harm, ensure child safety, and refer people to appropriate support services.

Your Agency Relationships

Report relationship

• This position is accountable through the CEO, Clinical Manager and Senior Clinician to the Board of Governance, for conduct of all work, through supervision, periodic reviews, Agency meetings and other activities.

Relationships with other staff

• Develop and maintain co-operative working relationships with all staff of the Agency. Share resources and knowledge, seek assistance when needed, and be open to different perspectives.

 Organisational Culture

• Every employee authentically demonstrates GCASA values in their daily behaviours. GCASA is an organisation committed to the continual learning and development of our employees. Our best practice models are dynamic; evolving and informed in line with developments in practice and research, and our organisational values.
• The GCASA Board of Governance and the management team support employees in their personal and professional development.
• It is expected that employees conduct themselves in line with community expectations, working within their scope of practice and demonstrating efficient work practice. All GCASA staff take responsibility for their actions within the workplace.

Internal and external Stakeholders

• GCASA is co located in a Multidisciplinary Centre (MDC) with its partners, Victoria Police Sexual Offence & Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) and Department of Families Fairness and Housing – Child Protection (CP) team. GCASA Intake Counsellor Advocates in Outer Gippsland will also liaise with The Orange Door, community health, child & family services, mental health, education, and other allied health services.

Position Role

Intake Counsellor Advocate role:

 The Intake Counsellor Advocate role has specific responsibilities coordinating the interface with clients, referrers and the community.

The specific responsibilities are:

• Responding to client, community referrals and stakeholder referrals including SOCIT, Child Protection, The Orange Door and allied services, including GP’s, schools and families.
• Responding to Crisis Care referrals
• Working within an Intake team to consider eligibility, risk and prioritisation pertaining to referrals and short/ medium term therapeutic interventions to support the safety, stabilisation, and wellbeing of GCASA’s clients entering our service.
• Conducting initial risk assessment and ongoing risk management in accordance with MARAM framework
• Conducting initial assessments, case formulations, intervention planning and review.
• Undertaking brief, time limited interventions as appropriate, with clients, in the context of the Intake phase of service.
• Undertaking short term care coordination with a focus on safety and stability
• Providing secondary consultation
• Advocating on behalf of clients as appropriate
• Maintain accurate and confidential client files, accurate and up to date statistical records and other records as required that meet legal, ethical, and organisational requirements.
• Participate in Clinical Client Supervision and line Management supervision in accordance with GCASA’s Supervision Policy.
• Participate in planning for the Agency’s work by participating in team meetings, service reviews and service evaluations and ongoing professional development.
• Maintain up to date knowledge, understanding, and sustain the development of professional skills in issues relating to sexual assault and counselling practice including, but not limited to, trauma, attachment, neurobiology, feminist theory and practical application of the principles of social inclusion

Key Selection Criteria

1. Degree level qualification or equivalent certification from a nationally accredited provider in the area of social welfare, counselling, social work, family therapy, psychology, creative arts therapies or community mental health nursing.
2. A minimum of 2 years recent counselling experience working with children, young people and adults within a therapeutic setting, providing short to medium term trauma informed intervention.
3. Knowledge related to the incidence and impact of sexual assault, as well as an understanding of the dynamics that support the occurrence of sexual assault, including feminist empowerment philosophy and social inclusion theory.
4. Well-developed organisational skills including time management and ability to multi-task, broad computer/IT skills, high level communication skills using data systems that support client management and record keeping.
5. Knowledge of the legislative requirements governing the collection and storage of personal information; client confidentiality and the protection of children/young people through  mandatory reporting.
6. Demonstrated experience in Assessment and ability to respond to client needs and distress as first entry point to service

Other

 The successful applicant will be appointed for a six-month probationary period during which time, regular clinical and line management supervision is provided.  At the conclusion of this period a performance review will be held with the CEO and Clinical Manager; after which, a decision will be made to offer ongoing employment or to cease employment with the Agency.

The successful applicant will:

• Be willing if required to travel across the region and to Melbourne as negotiated for training and development
• hold a current Victorian driver’s licence
• Hold a current Working with Children’s check
• Provide a current National Crim Check
• Hold COVID-19 Vaccination Status
• Will work Wednesdays to participate in agency meetings