Policy & Government Relations Officer

The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) is Australia’s largest single registration body for Counsellors and Psychotherapists with over 7,000 members. The ACA serves a crucial role in advocating and advancing the profession of Counselling and Psychotherapy across Australia.

In conjunction with other external engagement activities, the ACA regularly meets with government representatives to raise the profile of Counsellors and Psychotherapists alike. The ACA’s achievements include becoming the first counselling association to successfully negotiate Medibank Private provider numbers and was the only counselling association requested to comment at the Senate Enquiry into Mental Health.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Policy & Government Relations Officer will be part of the Industry team at the ACA.  With a clear opportunity for extension and expansion, an initial six-month full-time contract with a six-month option is on offer, flexible hours and working from home arrangements are also negotiable.

You will be reviewing, analysing and developing submissions, reports, research papers and organisational policy positions advocating for the recognition of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.  Further, you will be working with a key government lobbyist organisation that will be assisting with engaging relevant policymakers such as Federal Ministers, advisors, other Parliamentarians, and officials in the relevant Departments and Agencies.  With an authentic drive for influencing change, you understand that law and policy decisions have a deep impact on people’s lives and you want to ensure decision-makers receive the very best of opinion.

With five years plus experience in a similar role, ideally you will have a proven track record in researching, analysing, monitoring and synthesising a diverse and emerging range of issues related to the Counselling and Psychotherapy industry. A degree in Public Policy, Law or a similar discipline will be highly regarded, as will an understanding of the ACA’s advocacy journey to date.

Responsibilities and accountabilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Formulating strategies to address changes that are anticipated to have a significant effect on Counsellors and Psychotherapists
• Consulting with relevant key internal stakeholders and subject matter experts to lead and develop tailored submissions
• Writing submissions and position papers that accurately reflect the ACA’s position
• Securing meetings with relevant stakeholders at political and official levels
• Developing the ACA’s profile and understanding of the ACA among policymakers

Overnight intra/interstate travel will be required, and the successful applicant will be required to pass a criminal history check. Applications close 29 January 2021 and confidential enquiries should be made to Ben Thurlow on 07 3305 5800.

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