Your impact

As a Counsellor Advocate in the Intake and Access team, you will provide initial needs and risk assessment using the Foundation House trauma recovery framework and a family-centred approach aligned with Rebuilding Shattered Lives: Integrated Trauma Recovery for People of Refugee Background (2nd edition). You will provide a service which is responsive, accessible, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate to meet the complex needs of refugee background survivors of torture and other traumatic events.

Intake and Access Team Counsellor Advocates respond to referrals and provide an initial assessment in terms of eligibility, consent, priority and assessment of whether Foundation House is the most appropriate service or if referrals to other services are indicated. You will deliver timely and effective triage, intake assessment and risk assessment.

You will also provide client-centred advocacy through facilitating referrals, secondary consults and undertaking liaison with relevant health, community, education, legal and other services to support access to, and effective responsiveness from those services. Your work will also inform the systemic advocacy Foundation House does in the area of government policies and programs.

The role

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Review and respond to referrals to Foundation House, including conducting intake interviews, offering secondary consultation, liaising with referrers and responding to risk.
• Undertake brief intervention advocacy and liaison on behalf of clients with a range of relevant health, community, education and legal services to enable access to and use of those services.
• Provide high quality therapeutic skills when conducting intake assessments, provide psychoeducation in individual and group settings and provide brief intervention where indicated.
• Document and record all client information and interactions required to maintain a comprehensive client record in the client management system.

This role is a part-time (0.8/4-days), 12-month fixed term contract position. You will be based out of our Brunswick Head Office, with travel to our other Melbourne offices required.

What you’ll need to successfully apply

To be successful, you will need to positively respond to the below selection criteria:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in counselling, social work, psychology or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience conducting intake and risk assessments of adults and families.
• Experience with supporting and advocating on behalf of refugees, asylum seekers, or other marginalised clients regarding a range of issues related to health, welfare, mental health, legal and government
• Professional skills in the preparation of written communications, documentation and correspondence
• Highly developed interpersonal, collaboration and communication skills

In return

You’ll be rewarded with:

• An attractive remuneration package of $97,000 - $111,000 plus superannuation (based on experience).
• Salary packaging benefits of up to $18,550 and novated car leasing options.
• A role with true purpose to make a difference in people’s lives.
• A welcoming, highly diverse and supportive team environment.
• Excellent training and professional development.
• Generous leave provisions with option to purchase additional leave.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members.

Foundation House is an inclusive employer

Foundation House is an equal opportunity employer; we foster a work environment that is inclusive and diverse. We are values driven and are committed to improving the life outcomes of refugees and asylum seekers.

Foundation House is a state-wide agency offering services throughout Victoria. We currently have approximately 250 staff across our five offices in Brunswick, Dallas, Dandenong, Ringwood and Sunshine, and we also provide services in partnership with other agencies in regional and rural Victoria.

Foundation House is a Child Safe organisation committed to promoting and protecting the interests and safety of children. We actively play a part in combating family violence, as reflected in our organisational policies, protocols and staff development.

Read more about our history on our website here.

How to apply

Please upload your CV and a cover letter (maximum one to two pages) outlining why you are suitable for this role and how you meet the selection criteria as described above.

Refer to the position description for detailed information about the role. For more information about our hiring process, please refer to our careers with us page here.

Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received and may close early.

For enquiries please contact Justin Curreen-Harris from our HR Team via [email protected], using the subject line: Counsellor Advocate - Intake and Access enquiry via EthicalJobs, or by phone on 03 9389 8985.

A position description is attached.

If you think you have what it takes but don't necessarily meet all selection criteria, please still get in touch as we would love to talk with you and see if you could be a suitable fit.

Hiring is subject to satisfactory Police Check, current Working with Children Check, and proof of the right to work and live in Australia.