Applications are sought for the position of Children and Families Counsellor based 3 days per week at the Gympie office of Laurel Place Inc. 
 

• Applications close:  Monday 18th December 2023 (Interviews for short-listed applicants will be scheduled in early 2024)

• SCHADS award Level 5 + Super + Salary Sacrifice

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 This is a part-time position on an ongoing basis, subject to funding and the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period, and will require occasional travel within the Sunshine Coast and Cooloola areas.

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Organisational Environment:

Laurel Place Inc. is funded by The Department of Justice and Attorney General as well as the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs. Laurel place is governed by a Board drawn from the local community. The service employs just under 40 staff across four programs and four locations in Maroochydore, Gympie, Murgon as well as Moreton Bay

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The service provides a range of options to women, men, children, young people, families and the community that work towards reducing the impact and incidence of sexual violence in the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, South Burnett, and Moreton Bay Regions. Laurel Place also operates Women’s Space from the Maroochydore location which provides support to women who have experienced all forms of gendered violence.

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The service also focuses on providing education, information and resources to target groups and wider community. 

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The Role:

The primary purpose of the Children and Families Program is to provide both in person and remote (e.g., telephone, video conference) trauma-informed therapeutic intervention and support to children, young people and their non-offending family members/supporters, who have experienced sexual violence and to also strengthen family functioning to prevent further harm.  The program also provides therapeutic intervention and support to children and young people who are engaging in harmful sexual behaviours and entails the development and maintenance of collaborative working relationships with other key stakeholders.

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Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide a range of culturally appropriate and sensitive, trauma-informed therapeutic interventions to children, young people and their non-offending family members/carers/ supporters who have experienced sexual abuse.

• Provide culturally sensitive and appropriate therapeutic interventions and support to children and young people who engage in sexually harmful behaviours.

• Conduct and complete thorough assessments, including the assessment of risk/safety and the use of appropriate assessment measures.

• Provide a range of group programs including therapeutic and educational programs to children, young people and their non-offending family members and other service users.

• Provide relevant information and resources to children, young people and their non-offending family members and supporters as well as other allied agencies.

• Liaise and work collaboratively with statutory bodies and other relevant services regarding case planning and monitor child protection concerns accordingly.

• Promote community awareness of the issues relating to sexual abuse including the magnitude and extensiveness of its impacts on individuals, families, communities and wider society

• Represent Laurel Place at relevant community network meetings and events. 

• Engage in the accurate and relevant collection of statistical data and provide to the Team Leader.

• Participate in training, case planning/review and regular supervision. 

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Employment Benefits of Laurel Place:

• Consideration given to work life balance

• Prioritizing staff well-being

• Salary Sacrifice

• Generous professional development budget

• Provision of regular internal supervision

• Opportunity for variety in your role 

• Inclusive & supportive culture for staff and clients

• Welcoming & supportive team environment

• Contributing towards the elimination of sexual violence in all communities

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Selection Criteria:

Required

1. Minimum of a four-year tertiary degree in social work, psychology or similar 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 ability in providing a range of trauma-informed therapeutic interventions to children, young people and their non-offending family members/carers/supporters who have experienced sexual violence.

4. Demonstrated ability in providing sensitive and appropriate therapeutic intervention to children, young people and their non-offending supporters from diverse backgrounds including  Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, and Gender Diverse people.

5. Ability to work with children and young people up to 12 years of age who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviours.

6. Well-developed skills in assessment, case formulation and service planning including assessment of risk and safety and use of assessment measures relevant to children and young people (and their non-offending carers/family/supporters) who have been affected by sexual violence.

7. Proven ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with government and non-government organisations.

8. Ability to access and deliver appropriate information and resources targeting a range of audiences.

9. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment

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 To receive a copy of the full Position Description please email admin@laurelplace.com.au. All applications to consist of CV, cover letter, and addressed selection criteria for progression to short listing.

 

Please forward your completed application (CV, Cover Letter and Addressed Selection Criteria) to:  admin@laurelplace.com.au  

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Applications close Monday 18th December 2023