Specialist Trauma Service INTAKE Counsellor/Advocate 0.7 EFT-DPFC

Parental Leave until February 2021

WestCASA has expanded our sexual assault counselling service to deliver an extended Specialist Trauma Service at DPFC. The service in prison now includes a service to women and gender diverse people who have experienced sexual assault, family violence and other significant trauma in the past or more recently.   This position will work three days at DPFC and one half-day at our Wyndham (MDC) office. This position will be part of a seven-person team providing counselling, group work and training in the Specialist Trauma Services at DPFC. 

The successful applicant will provide effective, evidence-based and culturally sensitive intake and assessments to women prisoners in DPFC to enable eligible women to access our service with ease.  They will also provide information regarding services, supports, options, referrals and waiting lists. This role also requires the successful applicant to provide a level of advocacy for women in DPFC to support their linkage to other services in prison and externally upon their release from DPFC.

The successful applicant will also maintain a small caseload of clients and provide short -term counselling, crisis intervention & support, advocacy and group work to women and gender diverse people incarcerated at DPFC.

Staff receive regular clinical supervision and support through the DPFC Specialist Trauma Service Team Leader and the Clinical Services Manager and access to professional development both as part of a team and as an individual.  WestCASA has a strong commitment to providing a learning environment and support for staff in their growth and development in this area of work.

WestCASA supports staff to develop capacities in relation to knowledge of current research and best practice in responding to complex trauma.  WestCASA provides trauma counselling services within a feminist and rights-based framework.

WestCASA is a not-for-profit organisation with a community-based Board of Governance and a member of the state-wide peak organisation of sexual assault services CASA Forum. Services are funded by the Victorian Government.

The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to and understanding of the personal and political issues surrounding sexual assault and complex trauma. You will have experience and a strong interest in working with complex trauma in a therapeutic environment. This position also requires an understanding of working within a correctional system and the additional barriers this creates that is not normally faced when working with individuals in the community. You will be an excellent communicator, able to work independently and contribute to a resilient team.

WestCASA provides a varied, engaging and supportive professional work environment and will consider flexible work arrangements. Our staff form a vibrant and committed team.  They are valued for their contribution and commitment and are supported in their professional development aspirations.

WestCASA welcomes applications from Aboriginal women and women from culturally & linguistically diverse backgrounds.

This is a parental leave position until February 2021

A generous salary is paid in accordance with the Heath Services Union of Australia (Victoria – Public Sector) Health Professional Services Award.  Salary packaging and meal benefit allowance is available.

For further information regarding the position:

Please contact Robyn McIvor Chief Executive Officer, Susan Geraghty, Clinical Services Manager or Penny McDonald, DPFC Team Leader on (03) 9216 – 0411