Women's Counsellor (Domestic Violence)
Job No:
52343
Location:
Mackay, QLD
- Deliver a range of specialist services to women in the Mackay region who have experienced domestic and family violence
- Attractive salary package on 5.1 level of the Community Service & Crisis Assistance award + super & salary sacrificing options
- Be welcomed into new, bright & open premises, as well as a friendly and supportive team culture
- Professional development and training opportunities
About the Organisation
The Domestic Violence Resource Service (Mackay & Region) Inc. (DVRS) is a not for profit community organisation funded by the Department of Communities. As an incorporated association with a management committee of community representatives, DVRS operates a service to support women and children experiencing domestic or family violence. The service is based in Mackay and serves the region from St. Lawrence in the south to the Whitsundays in the north, and west to Moranbah.
The service conducts domestic and family violence awareness raising campaigns and provides court assistance, education and training, counselling and referral across the region. All work undertaken is based on a feminist analysis of domestic and family violence.
The service is staffed by a Service Manager, Court Assistance and Supportlink workers, Women’s Counsellors, a Child and Adolescent Counsellor, Community Development Workers and Administration Worker.
About the Opportunity
The Domestic Violence Resource Service (Mackay & Region) Inc. (DVRS) is looking for an experienced Women's Counsellor to join their welcoming team in Mackay.
In this highly rewarding and challenging role, you will work closely with women who have been affected by domestic and family violence, to provide a range of specialist interventions, and develop case plans to achieve quality outcomes.
Your day-to-day duties will be to:
- Provide crisis response, general support, information and referral and ongoing counselling to women affected by domestic and / or family violence;
- Respond to the needs of clients utilising a feminist, strengths based model;
- Be instrumental and lead case conferencing with other service providers for holistic client servicing;
- Build, develop and maintain internal and external relationships with colleagues and external agencies;
- Maintain and regularly update knowledge of counselling methods used specifically when working with women affected by domestic and family violence;
- Advocate on behalf of women and children to other agencies when necessary to ensure positive outcomes; and
- Participate in team meetings, supervision and professional development activities.
The successful candidate will have a tertiary degree / diploma in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or a relevant field, and experience working with women in a similar role. You will demonstrate familiarity with issues and therapeutic interventions in responding to women experiencing domestic and/or family violence, and will be committed to the empowerment of women, with an understanding of domestic violence from feminist perspectives. Knowledge of (or the ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of) the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 will be essential.
More specifically, you should have knowledge of the issues of diversity and inclusion affecting the delivery of services to women in the Mackay region. You will also be required to draw on your experience in working with a diverse range of clients including Aboriginal, Torres Strait islanders and Australian South Sea Islanders, migrants and those with mental health issues, substance abuse issues and other disadvantaged clients.
High level interpersonal and communication skills (including report writing and case management preparation), computer literacy and a willingness to work and collaborate in a small team environment are also vital. The successful applicant will possess a current driver's licence as well as eligibility for a Working with Children blue card. You must also be willing to undergo a criminal record check.
You'll be welcomed into a supportive, friendly and close-knit team culture, comprised of compassionate professionals with a mutual commitment to providing superior support and services to women and children affected by domestic and family violence in the Mackay region. DVRS offers new premises, with bright, open office space and well appointed counselling rooms.
DVRS also encourages the progression of your career, with professional training and development to ensure your skills remain contemporary.
The successful applicant will start on an attractive remuneration package on the 5.1 level of the Community Service & Crisis Assistance award plus super and salary sacrificing options, increasing the value of your take-home pay.
Help improve conditions and services for women and children affected by domestic & family violence in the Mackay region - Apply Now!
Please note: Applications will close on Friday the 20th of December at 5pm AEST.
Domestic Violence Resource Service (Mackay & Region) Inc. also has an opportunity available for a Child and Adolescent Counsellor in Mackay - click here to view details