POSITION DESCRIPTION Counsellor

Transcription

1 Job Title: Classification: Responsible To: Responsible For: VSS Purpose VSS Vision VSS Values Social Community Home Care & Disability Services Award - Level 5 Manager - Client Services The provision of VSS Counselling Services for victims of crime. Providing expert support to all victims of crime in South Australia. All victims of crime in South Australia receive the support they need. Respectful Trauma informed Empowering Position Purpose: Key Challenges To provide professional counselling, information and support services to victims of crime. Ensuring that counselling services provided to victims of crime are underpinned by a trauma informed, and person centred approach Key Result Areas Counselling Victims of Crime Counselling administration and reporting Advocacy for Victims of Crime Industrial Instruments Location VSS Enterprise Agreement & Social Community Home Care & Disability Services Award 33 Franklin Street, Adelaide 1

2 A. ORGANISATION CHART (What are the key reporting relationships for the role?) Chief Executive Client Services Manager (Helpdesk, Counselling & National Redress) Client Services Manager (Regional Services & Staying Home Staying Safe) Corporate Services Manager Legal Services Manager B. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Reporting will be to the Manager Client Services and counsellors will receive ongoing clinical supervision from the Counselling Supervisor to ensure that victims receive expert support in relation to the provision of counselling services and counsellors implement best practice therapeutic standards. 2

3 C. JOB REQUIREMENTS (What are the key activities for the role?) Key Result Area 1 Counselling Victims of Crime Key Tasks: Through the VSS Helpdesk, provide frontline psycho-education, information and support to victims of crime (by telephone and in person) Undertake Initial Appointments that include assessment and brief intervention Provide ongoing trauma counselling/therapy for clients impacted by criminal victimization Support survivors of institutional child sexual abuse to access the National Redress Scheme Promote quality outcomes for clients and encourage the development of independence from the service Systematically obtain client feedback Make appropriate referrals to other professionals and agencies on behalf of clients to ensure they receive a holistic response to their needs Regularly review counselling and casework techniques and acquire new skills Prepare relevant support letters and reports where appropriate Initiate, plan and manage therapeutic groups and information sessions Actively engage with VSS counselling supervision Job holder is successful when: Client referral targets are met Client contact targets are met Client outcome targets are met Client satisfaction levels are high 3

4 Key Result Area 2 Advocacy for Victims of Crime Key Tasks: Undertake individual advocacy for clients with respective agencies in a respectful and appropriate manner Raise issues experienced by clients with the management of Victim Support Service. Raise victims issues with appropriate agencies and at professional forums and conferences. Review and comment upon relevant documents, legislation and discussion papers. Deliver educational talks and workshops to other professionals, student and community groups about crime and crime victimisation. Job holder is successful when: Key strategic relationships are strengthened and support the delivery of required business outcomes VSS is seen as a valued adviser and partner to external groups (including the NFP sector, industry groups, community groups and government agencies), and is sought out to contribute Presentations are made to key stakeholders Funders & program partners return to VSS for repeat business 4

5 Key Result Area 3 Counselling Administration and Reporting Key Tasks: Adhere to information and reporting requirements outlined in Program Service Agreements with government agencies Adhere to VSS reporting requirements on counselling services Adhere to VSS counselling program policies and procedures Maintain accurate case-notes and client data Provide high quality administrative and advocacy support to the assigned Family Safety Meeting Job holder is successful when: All counselling records, case notes and client data are accurate and up-to-date Partner agencies report high levels of satisfaction with administrative support for, and professional contribution to, the Family Safety Framework from VSS D. PURPOSE AND VALUES REQUIREMENTS Core Area of Responsibility Purpose and Values Key Tasks Actively support VSS s purpose and values; Positively and constructively represent the VSS to external contacts at all opportunities; Behaves in a way that contributes to a workplace that is free of discrimination, harassment and bullying behaviour at all times; Operates in line with the VSS s policies and practices (EG: financial, HR, etc); To help ensure the health, safety and welfare of self and others working in the business; Follows reasonable directions given by the company in relation to Work Health, Safety & Welfare. 5

6 D. RECRUITMENT INFORMATION (The essential knowledge, experience, skills and personal attributes required for the job) 1. Essential Minimum Requirements 1. A relevant degree in social work, social sciences, psychology or counselling. 2. Knowledge and familiarity with trauma informed care and practice as well as therapeutic approaches relevant and appropriate to trauma work, including complex trauma. 3. Extensive experience in the delivery of trauma counselling/therapy and casework. 4. Demonstrated skills working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 5. Ability to work as part of a team and accept regular supervision. 6. A commitment to advocating for and upholding the rights of victims of crime. 7. Ability to work under pressure, to organise priorities and to meet deadlines. 8. A current driver s licence. 2. Desirable Characteristics 1. Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, victims issues and resources. 2. Group work experience. 3. Experience in working with members of the SA Police and other Criminal Justice Agencies. 4. Experience in public speaking. 5. Experience in the preparation of agendas and minute taking. 6

7 E. SPECIAL CONDITIONS 1. This is a contracted position until and is subject to a six month probationary period. 2. The hours will generally be conducted between Monday and Friday from 9am 5pm or as negotiated with the Manager Client Services. 3. The position requires flexibility in working hours and work outside of normal business hours from time to time i.e. evenings and some weekends. TOIL provisions will apply as per the Enterprise Agreement. 4. Some intra-state travel & overnight stays may be required. 5. Satisfactory DHS Vulnerable Persons & Working with Children Checks are required. F. EQUAL OPPOPRTUNITIES VSS is an equal opportunity employer. A person will not be refused employment or otherwise treated unfavourably on the ground of age, race, sex, sexuality, disability, pregnancy or marital status or any other ground prohibited by law. In assessing the suitability of a person with disability for employment, we will always consider whether we can make reasonable adjustments to the tasks to enable that person to do the job. G. APPROVAL Manager s Name: Jac Taylor Approval date 7