We are committed to equal employment opportunity, ethical practices and the principles of cultural diversity. Coast Shelter strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

Life at Coast Shelter

Coast Shelter is a leading Central Coast not for profit charity assisting families, adults and young people with complex issues arising from their experience of homelessness, abuse and neglect. Our organisation is driven by our mission to deliver innovative solutions to address homelessness, violence and poverty to achieve immediate and lasting changes.

We are a Tier 3 Community Housing Provider (CHP) and the largest Specialist Homelessness Service in Regional NSW. We operate 9 crisis shelters, a Community Centre and more than 50 outreach properties, housing over 180 people across the Central Coast every night.

At Coast Shelter, you'll be joining a team of committed staff and volunteers who work to end Homelessness and Domestic and Family Violence within our community. Our people are innovative professionals who are driven to help make positive change, we are bold with ideas and operate with pace and passion.

The Role

We are looking for a Counsellor to join our Women & Children's Services which operates 3 shelters and a Domestic & Family Violence Rapid Response Program across the Central Coast. The position will work closely with our Case Workers and focus on early intervention, risk assessment, risk minimisation and relapse prevention.

The position is responsible for improving the mental health and wellbeing of our clients whose access to psychological support may be limited by homelessness, Domestic & Family Violence, financial hardship or other barriers.

Reporting to the Women & Children's Services Manager the position is for 12 months with the possibility of extension.

What to Expect

Some of the key aspects of the position include:

• Providing high quality, trauma informed counselling to those accessing our services and ensuring complex issues with clients in high conflict are managed safely utilising effective strategies and practise
• Deliver evidence-based psychological therapies and interventions tailored to the assessed needs of each person which may include:
• • activity based interventions to support and improve emotional regulation, social wellbeing, mental health and a reduction in aggressive and/or disruptive behaviours
  • ensuring clients are linked to appropriate support services
• Working collaboratively with Coast Shelter Case Workers and agencies to achieve positive outcomes for our clients
• Work closely with Medical and Allied Health practitioners to provide integrated support and referrals to specialist assistance
• Participate in case consultations with internal and external stakeholders

To be considered for the position you must be able to address the essential criteria below:

• Tertiary qualifications diploma level or higher in Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, or professionally related disciplines with relevant registrations with peak bodies
• Experience in areas relevant to counselling or relevant disciplines such as art therapy, child trauma therapy, play therapy, domestic violence training
• Ability to hold group work facilitation and to plan, write, deliver, and evaluate group programs
• Experience and demonstrated ability in providing high quality trauma intervention, counselling, and advocacy support for people with complex needs
• Ability to motivate and engage with a diverse population
• Proven ability to maintain boundaries and respond to challenging behaviours
• Excellent communication with proven written and oral communication skills

Our Values

• Respect
• Innovation
• Connection
• Trust

Ways we Reward You!

• Competitive Remuneration Package including access to extensive salary packaging offerings
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Values Driven Organisation
• Employee Assistance Program offering free and confidential counselling and support

If you are successful in gaining employment with Coast Shelter you must hold a NSW driver's licence, First Aid Certificate, National Criminal Record Check, Working with Children Check and a Covid Digital Certificate.

Our services are provided only to women. We consider being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for this position under section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) and sections 30 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth).

Enquires: Rachael Glasson Women & Children's Service Manager.