Rebuilding Shattered Lives – supporting refugees to recover from torture and other traumatic events

Your impact

As a Team Leader in our West region based in our new Werribee (Wyndham) office; you will lead a team of skilled and committed Counsellor Advocates (CAs) to provide safe, person-centred, effective and connected services. This role provides responsive and supportive leadership to the team to ensure the delivery of high-quality assessment, counselling and advocacy services using a diverse range of developmentally appropriate psychosocial therapeutic interventions which are accessible, trauma informed, culturally safe and appropriate to the needs of refugee background survivors of torture and trauma, and their families. You will assume responsibility for providing line management and supervision to CAs in their work with clients, aligned with the Foundation House Trauma Recovery Framework and Rebuilding Shattered Lives: Integrated Trauma Recovery for People of Refugee Background (2nd edition).

You will also have responsibility for a small caseload, taking on complex clients and working co-jointly with CAs when required.

The role

You will work with the regional leadership team to support service delivery and staff across the region, identifying gaps in the service systems relevant to the needs of our clients. You will build excellent stakeholder relationships in consultation with the Regional Manager, and influence to improve the responsiveness of those service systems. Your work will also draw from your understanding of the refugee communities we serve and inform the broader advocacy Foundation House does in the areas of government policies and programs.
See our website for further details on our Counsellor Advocate model.

About You

We are looking for a Team Leader who is committed to advancing human rights and taking up a leadership role supporting trauma recovery for refugee and asylum seeker clients.

You will be:

• Actively develop and lead the performance and culture of the Wyndham Team, to provide high quality counselling and advocacy services.
• Actively contribute to overall Direct Services strategy, operational objectives and the quality-of-service delivery through participation in Direct Services leadership meetings, regional leadership meetings and other forums as appropriate.
• Provide expert guidance and regular operational supervision to CAs to review and oversee their client caseload. This includes providing case direction to CAs to develop clear and well-articulated formulations based on comprehensive assessments, establish goals with clients and families, provide a wide range of interventions, and track progress and outcomes.
• Provide guidance and direction to CAs to address client risk and respond to client crises.
• Monitor and manage service delivery including the management of referral and allocation processes, waitlist management and ensuring practices are consistent with standards of Foundation House policies and procedures.

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 psychology, social work, counselling, or other related discipline with postgraduate qualifications highly regarded.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise and support a diverse team of practitioners.
• Advanced skills in undertaking psychosocial assessment, formulation, planning and care coordination for young people and adults, including risk assessments with a family lens, and experience supervising and supporting other staff in these areas.
• Advanced understanding of the impacts of complex trauma, with advanced skills in trauma informed practice and providing trauma-focussed counselling interventions with young people and adults using a range of evidence-based modalities.
• Excellent understanding of how to negotiate and advocate with multiple service systems in Victoria to support the needs of refugee and asylum seeker young people, adults and families.
• Demonstrated ability to provide culturally safe and appropriate services.

In return

You’ll be rewarded with:

• An attractive remuneration package of $124,844 plus superannuation.
• 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.

How to apply

Click "Apply Now". 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.

For more information about our hiring process and a copy of our website, please refer to our careers with us page.

Please note, applications will close 12pm, on the 13th of February 2025 and will be considered as they are received.

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

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.