Counsellor (Freeman House)
Job No:
VIN812
Location:
Armidale, NSW
- Part-time 24 hours per week
- Based at Freeman House in Armidale, NSW
About the Organisation
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a member and volunteer based organisation that has been assisting people experiencing disadvantage in NSW for more than 130 years. The St Vincent de Paul Society is a leading provider of community support services and has close to 100 Special Works across the State in the areas of homelessness, mental health, disability, financial counselling, supported accommodation, food provision, refugees and migrants and addiction counselling. Our work is funded by all levels of government, the generous support we receive from the community and our 250 Retail Centres across NSW.
The Society’s Mission, Vision, Aspiration, and Key Values http://www.vinnies.org.au/page/About/Mission__Vision .
About the Services
Freeman House and its associated programs are committed to minimising the harm related to homelessness, drug and alcohol use, mental health, cognitive impairment, contact with the criminal justice system and other associated issues and is part of the St Vincent de Paul NSW Specialist Drug and Alcohol Network.
About the Role
The primary objective of the Counsellor's role is to provide counselling to residential and community based clients who are currently in treatment for substance use disorders. The Counsellor will report to the Clinical Director – Treatment and Services and will be a part of the inter-disciplinary team of treatment practitioners. The Counsellor will be involved in the development of evidence informed case conceptualisation and treatment planning for clients presenting with problematic substance use. Delivering group work including therapeutic and psychoeducational groups is a significant component of this role. Regular clinical supervision is provided as a part of the role.
You can find more information about this role in the position description.
What you need
- Minimum Bachelor Degree in a recognised Psychology, Counselling, or Social Work field.
- Current AHPRA registration, or:
- Professional and practicing membership of the relevant peak body (e.g. ACA, PACFA, AASW)
- Demonstrated understanding of trauma informed practice
- Demonstrated skills and experience in providing counselling and evidence based interventions for grief and loss, and complex trauma
- Demonstrated significant experience in developing, delivering and evaluating psychoeducation and therapeutic group work
- An understanding of legislation and policies relevant to the Alcohol and Other Drug sector
- Highly developed written and oral communication skills
- Well-developed organisational, time management, computer literacy and project management skills
- Demonstrated ability to work in an inter-disciplinary team environment
What we offer
- By joining one of Australia’s largest and leading charities, you will be working in an organisation which makes a real difference to people’s lives.
- The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is proud to offer generous salary packaging benefits to employees where a portion of take-home pay is tax-free.
- Training and development opportunities
Employment Conditions
The conditions of employment are governed by the Residential Drug & Alcohol Support Services Collective Agreement 2009. The position is classified as Level 3A and hourly rate is $34.48.
Pre-employment checks
Prior to an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to complete the pre-employment checks that include two (2) reference checks, a Health Declaration and National Criminal History Check. You will also be required to present evidence of right to work in Australia.
The Society is committed to being a Child Safe organisation. Prior to employment, you will be required to have a Working with Children Check, further information can be found in the Society’s commitment to Safeguarding Children & Young People
How to Apply Online:
Applications will include the following:
- Claims to the Essential Criteria in the cover letter
The Claims to the Essential Criteria is an important part of your application. Please address the Essential Criteria by explaining how your skills, qualifications and experience meet them. Please also state the reason why you are applying for this role. - Current curriculum vitae: This will include your qualifications & trainings; work history with a brief description of duties for each role; Referees - at least two (2) e.g. persons you report to who can comment on your work experience. Please provide name and contact details (work and mobile phone numbers; email address). Or please be prepared to provide details when requested.
To submit your application online - answer the questions below and attach your documents. (Note - We no longer accept applications sent to the HR email address).
If you have questions about the role, please email to Adrian Webber (Clinical Director - Treatment and Services) Adrian.webber@vinnies.org.au, with email subject line: Counsellor (Freeman House)/ VIN812.
Applications close at 11:30 pm on 4 February 2018
St Vincent de Paul Society (NSW) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
The Society is committed to engaging a diverse workforce. The Society strongly encourages applications from people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and mature aged applicants.