Applications are sought for the position of Children and Families Counsellor based at our Moreton Bay office of Laurel Place, Inc. 

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• Applications close:  Monday 9th September 2024

• Applications to consist of CV, Cover Letter and Addressed Selection Criteria

• Applications to be emailed to: admin@laurelplace.com.au

• SCHADS award Level 5 + Super + Salary Sacrifice

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 This is a part-time position 4 days per week in the children’s sexual assault program. This is a 2.5 year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension, subject to the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period and ongoing funding.

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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 Child Safety, Seniors, and Disability Services. Laurel place is governed by a Board drawn from the local community. The service employs over 40 staff across four programs and four locations in Maroochydore, Gympie, Murgon as well as Moreton Bay 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. The service also focuses on providing education, information and resources to the target groups and wider community.

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The Role:

The primary focus 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 as well as 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.

• 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. Highly desirable - at least 2 years’ experience in the field of sexual violence. 

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 therapeutic interventions and counselling to survivors over the age of 12 and their non-offending family members, supporters and carers (a high-level understanding of assessment, formulation and therapeutic case planning preferred).

4. Well-developed skills in risk assessment (sexual assault, child protection, DVF and mental health) and crisis intervention relevant to women and young people over the age of 12 who have been affected by sexual violence. 

5. Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of police reporting and legal processes for survivors of sexual violence. 

6. High level skills and demonstrated experience and ability to establish collaborative relationships with key stakeholders to ensure best outcomes for clients. 

7. Highly developed inter-personal and written communication skills. 

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

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 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 at 9am on Monday 9th September 2024.