Counsellor Advocate

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre

Psychology, Counselling & Social Work (Healthcare & Medical)

Full time/Part time

$49.28 – $51.51 per hour

Position: Counsellor Advocate - Multiple positions

Hours: Full Time/Part time

Level: MEA Award Grade 5.1 to 5.3

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Special conditions

∙ Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act of 2011 legislation requires that the preferred applicant will be required to hold a current and valid Working with Vulnerable People card as proof of suitable employment screening and background checks.

∙ Current driver's licence.

2. Decision Making and Accountability

The Counsellor Advocate position:

∙ Applies knowledge through qualifications or relevant previous experience to create positive outcomes for clients and ∙ Determines the approach to individual counselling sessions within the CRCC philosophy, values and frameworks.

∙ Sets priorities and monitors workflow in areas of responsibility.

∙ Is responsible for their own workload management within the role and the broader context of the organisation.

∙ Position works under general direction from senior employees and reports to a Program Coordinator.

3. All staff requirements

All CRCC employees must:

∙ Undertake a range of functions which require the application of high-level knowledge and skills to achieve results in line with organisational and team goals.

∙ Adhere to policies, procedures and established work practices.

∙ Exercise initiative and judgement.

∙ Demonstrate respect and work with diversity and difference in the workplace and in the community.

∙ Demonstrate self-awareness, resilience and commitment to personal development.

∙ Use positive interpersonal skills to gain the cooperation of clients, staff and other stakeholders.

∙ Monitor and interpret legislation, regulations and other documentation relevant to the role and organisation.

4. Key Performance Indicators

∙ Ensures client records are up to date.

∙ A majority of the employee’s clients report satisfactory progress with their therapeutic goals.

∙ Service provision data is collected, maintained and evaluated and used to improve service provision.

∙ Trends and issues identified from working with clients and external stakeholders are shared regularly with the management team to support CRCC broader advocacy role.

∙ Education and training is planned, developed and facilitated with positive feedback.

5. Responsibilities and Tasks

Leadership

∙ Develop and maintain external networks/relationships and collaborate with staff in key agencies regarding joint client or organisational outcomes

∙ Represent CRCC in meetings, forums and events as required including participation in CRCC community education activities – particularly in areas such as trauma, therapeutic frameworks, clinical counselling and victim response

∙ Work on projects as required which includes undertaking planning, coordination, implementation and administration.

∙ Actively participate in CRCC staff and team meetings.

∙ Maintain professional qualifications and receive supervision from clinical supervisors.

Crisis and Counselling Services

∙ Commence working within the crisis team, for initial on-boarding and training over a period of time as negotiated with your Supervisor.

∙ Provide crisis counselling, information, referral, advocacy and support services to women, children, young people, men and their supporters.

∙ Develop, coordinate and monitor case plans of CRCC clients including attendance at case conferences as appropriate to the role.

∙ As required attend crisis call outs to support people who have been sexually assaulted.

∙ Provide information, consultation and informal debriefing regarding issues related to client work.

∙ Support clients to navigate the criminal justice system and other legal or administrative systems.

∙ As required, plan, develop and facilitate education and training for a range of stakeholders on topics related to sexual violence.

Governance

∙ Write reports for external agencies, such as reports for the Family Court, Criminal Courts, Immigration, Housing, Centrelink and victim impact statements.

∙ Carry out other administrative and ad hoc tasks as directed.

6. Delegation

∙ There are no financial or staff management responsibilities associated with this role

7. Selection Criteria

Articulate knowledge and understanding of the abuses and consequences of sexual violence, within a feminist framework.

Previous experience in providing counselling, information, referral, advocacy, group work and support services to people who have experienced interpersonal violence.

Work independently within a team environment, to identify priorities, meet deadlines and to manage the workload.

Ability or experience in presenting and delivering training to professional organisations and clients.

Ability or experience in forming relationships and partnerships with other professional organisations and in working with other organisations toward joint goals.

Demonstrated ability to work positively in a team to promote and model collaborative and respectful staff and client relationships.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Computer literacy including use of Word, email and information databases.

The right to work in Australia

Desirable Requirements

Previous experience working in an advocacy or service delivery organisation

Current knowledge and experience of the ACT community services and women’s services in the ACT.

Qualifications

Tertiary qualifications in social work, psychology or counselling or experience in relevant field is required

8. Application Instructions

a current resume, stating responsibilities and achievements against each relevant role you have held.

a cover letter (no more than 1 page) outlining why you are the ideal person for the position. (refer to the key selection criteria in this document)

Please provide details of two referees, (can be included on resume).

If you have any enquiries in relation to this position, please contact the CRCC Human Resources Manager via email on [email protected].

Applications close on 14 August 2025.

CRCC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural background, veteran or disability status. Due to the nature of the role CRCC is seeking a female identifying person for this position.