Applications are sought for two Counsellors with Laurel Place Inc.

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1. First Response Counsellor; ongoing position (subject to funding); 4 days per week (30.4 hours). This position can be based at Maroochydore, Gympie, or Moreton Bay Office (travel will be required between offices). The First Response program provides a first response to adults, children and young people (and their non-offending family/carer/supporters) who have been affected by sexual violence, across the Sunshine Coast region who are seeking support from Laurel Place. Hours for this position are 9am - 5pm.

2. First Response/Sexual Assault Counsellor, 2 year fixed term contract; 4 days per week (30.4 hours). This position can be based at Maroochydore, Gympie, or Moreton Bay Office (travel will be required between offices). This position will primarily support the First Response Team, as above, however, it will also provide short-term and ongoing counselling to clients across programs, as required, and where resources allow.

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• SCHADS award - Level 5 + Superannuation + Salary Sacrifice 

• Applications close: 5pm Monday 22nd April 2024

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The primary purpose of these positions is to provide a first response to adults, children, and young people (and their non-offending family/carer/supporters) who have experienced sexual assault/abuse. One role will also provide ongoing counselling support to clients as required and resources allow. 

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The First Response Counsellor provides information, support and referrals where indicated for all people contacting or referred to Laurel Place. This position is also responsible for assessing timeliness of response for counselling and support services across all 4 office locations. Development and maintenance of collaborative working relationships with other key stakeholders is a key component of this role.

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The Sexual Assault Counsellor is also responsible for assessing timeliness of response for counselling and support services across all 4 office locations. Development and maintenance of collaborative working relationships with other key stakeholders is a key component of this role.

    

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing therapeutic support to clients across programs and locations where required and recourses allow (for combined First Response/Sexual Assault Counsellor position). 

• Assess client needs via telephone, referral information, and initial intake sessions.

• Provide initial face to face and phone assessments/screeners for clients accessing the service and work with the First Response Coordinator and Team Leaders regarding priority allocations.

• Provide a range of short-term trauma informed, developmentally sensitive, and culturally safe therapeutic interventions to women, men, children and young people (and their non-offending family members/supporters) who have experienced sexual violence.

• Provide ongoing therapeutic support to clients across programs and locations where required and resources allow.

• Ensure the timely collection of statistical data is accurate and relevant and report same to the First Response Coordinator and/or Team Leader.

•  Liaise with community and sector networks and develop appropriate collaborative partnerships with relevant services and agencies.

• Liaise with statutory bodies and other relevant services regarding new referrals and case planning, and monitor safety and implement safety plans concerns accordingly. 

• Operate in compliance with all relevant ethical standards and legal regulations governing the provision of support services to survivors of sexual assault. This includes maintaining professional boundaries, respecting survivors' autonomy, and adhering to mandatory reporting requirements when necessary.

• Work within the vision statement, values and philosophy of Laurel Place Inc

• Lead, support and contribute to a positive work office culture and environment.

• Work collaboratively with other members of the Laurel Place Team to help foster and support an organisational wide team spirit. 

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Experience:

• Provide ongoing therapeutic support to clients across programs and locations where required and recourses allow (for combined First Response/Sexual Assault Counsellor position). 

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Selection Criteria: 

1. Minimum of a four-year degree in social work or psychology and experience in the field of sexual violence or similar.

2. Demonstrated understanding of the gendered nature of sexual violence and its impact at both an individual and societal level.

3. Demonstrated experience providing trauma informed, developmentally sensitive and culturally safe interventions to adults, children, young people and their non-offending family members, supporters and carers.

4. Well-developed skills in providing intake and assessments relevant to women, men and young people who have been affected by sexual violence, including the ability to prioritise clients based on need and provide risk assessments as required.

5. Ability to engage in continuous improvement practices to ensure that clients of the service receive the highest quality response when first contacting Laurel Place Inc.

6. Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team environment and effectively manage consistent exposure to traumatic and complex information.

7.  Demonstrate an ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment, where timely responses and supportive interventions are critical.

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  If you feel you are the right person for this position and would like to be part of growing not for profit organisation that values staff, invests in your professional development and work in a supportive environment, please forward your CV, Cover Letter and addressed Selection Criteria to admin@laurelplace.com.au 

 

Applications close 5pm Monday 29th April 2024.

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Only applications who address the selection criteria will be considered.