The Senior Counsellor National Redress Program is responsible for the clinical support of the Redress counselling team.

In this role, you will provide sound advice, leadership and therapeutic knowledge to staff and hold a case load of clients from the Redress program. You will be responsible for providing client-focused operational supervision and clinical oversight to members of the Redress counselling team. You will report to the Director.

You will also be responsible for the development and maintenance of internal and external networks and collaborative partnerships that enhance the work of VSS programs.

Key responsibilities

Key responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to:

Service Delivery

Provide positive leadership to all staff and promote a trauma recovery service culture that is responsive to the needs of clients and promotes agency to clients for self determination. This will include:

o Supporting staff performance and developing a staff culture which expects accountability and transparency and promotes trauma recovery.

o Encouraging participation and critical reflection in all work; and

o Role modelling professional, respectful and positive behavior in all interactions with staff and clients.

Ensure the consistent delivery of quality services to all VSS Redress counselling clients. This includes, but is not limited to:

o Overseeing client intake and triage from first point of contact to exit.

o Managing waitlists using demand management techniques; and

o Supporting staff to triage complex cases and manage client expectations, in line with the relevant guidelines.

· Maintain current knowledge of the criminal justice and community services sector, including key policy issues that impact service delivery.

· Demonstrate cultural competency and understanding of support needs of people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, LGBTIQA+ communities and people living with disabilities.

· Identify, appropriately manage, and report on client critical incidents, in line with internal and external reporting requirements and associated timeframes.

· Maintain a client case load.

· Respond to requests for client files and court orders (in collaboration with the Director).

· Act as first point of escalation on clinical client matters and ensure appropriate resolution of such matters in consultation with the Director.

· Contribute to and lead the effective implementation of client feedback processes and encourage this amongst other staff.

· Support counselling staff to undertake appropriate risk assessments and safety planning, in line with relevant guidelines and referral pathways, such as to external stakeholders.

· Monitor caseloads of clinical staff in consultation with the Director.

· Ensure that performance indicators, structures and systems are adhered to, in order to support the achievement of VSS strategic goals.

· Support program staff to ensure reporting deliverables are met in line with funding agreements.

· Provide reporting to Director in line with funding agreements.

· Provide coaching and mentoring to team members, as appropriate, including student placements.

· In accordance with VSS policy and legislation, ensure effective management and resolution of grievances and complaints.

· Establish positive working relationships with external stakeholders and represent VSS professionally in the sector and contribute to sector reform.

· Undertake line management/clinical supervision with the Director.

Personal Responsibilities

· Adhere to VSS values, policies, and procedures at all times.

· Participate as a productive team member, contributing positively to VSS culture.

· Participate in upskilling and training as necessary.

· Participate productively in planning and team development activities.

· Participate in quality improvement activities and make recommendations to improve internal processes and support continuous improvement.

· Take reasonable care for own health and safety, and that of others in the workplace.

· Undertake any additional tasks as requested by your line manager that reasonably fall within the scope of the position and classification.

Essential Position Requirements

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or related discipline with demonstrated knowledge and competencies appropriate your related discipline.

· Be a member (or eligible for membership) of the Australian Association of Social Workers, Australian Counselling Association or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia as a clinical member, relevant to your discipline.

· Must hold a current working with children and vulnerable persons clearance and National Police Check.

· Current Drivers License.

· Up to date Child safe Environment and Mandatory Reporting certificate

· Must be eligible to work in Australia.

Experience

· Minimum of 5 years’ experience in relevant service delivery, such as supporting and counselling clients who have been impacted by violence or trauma, including domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse.

· Qualifications or demonstrated experience working with children and young people.

· Experience in the provision of supervision and mentoring to staff working with clients with complex needs or who have experienced trauma.

· Demonstrated experience in delivering quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

· Demonstrated commitment to evidence-informed practice and continuous improvement.

· Knowledge of relevant modalities including but not limited to trauma recovery therapy, narrative therapy, ACT, play therapy, solutions focused and strength-based approaches and ability to provide guidance to staff in relation to their therapeutic practice.

· Demonstrated understanding of child safety requirements.

Skills

· Excellent written and interpersonal skills.

· Experience in supervising and mentoring staff/students/volunteers.

· Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach.

· Ability to manage complex and sensitive client issues with appropriate discretion in a highly sensitive environment.

· Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and manage competing priorities and reporting obligations effectively.

· Demonstrated cultural competency and understanding of support needs of people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, LGBTIQA+ communities and people with disabilities.

· Ability to develop and maintain strong partnerships with a range of relevant services.

· Well-developed analytical, problem solving and decision-making abilities.

· Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

· Demonstrated competency in use of technology (including Microsoft office programs and data exchange reporting programs).

Desirable

· Mental Health Accreditation or Certification (AASW or Other).

· Honours Degree (AASW or Other)

· Experience in supporting junior staff members with clinical advice and oversight.

Other Special Conditions

· Some Inter/Intra-state travel will be required

· Use of own vehicle where other means of travel not available (by negotiation)

To apply, please send your resume, along with you cover sheet addressing the essential position requirements to: [email protected]

This job application closes 27 May 2025.