Our MISSION:

The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) is a peak body for the counselling and psychotherapy profession in Australia. PACFA is a not-for-profit federation, made up of individual members, Branches and Colleges and Member Associations.

PACFA regulates and supports the provision of effective high-quality Psychotherapy, Counselling, and Indigenous Healing Practices. To do this, PACFA:

• Registers and certifies suitably qualified and skilled practitioners
• Accredits appropriate training courses
• Provides resources and a professional network for the development of Psychotherapy, Counselling, and Indigenous Healing Practitioners
• Educates and advocates to the public, other professions, and policy makers, to ensure the value of Psychotherapy, Counselling, and Indigenous Healing Practices is recognised and appreciated.

POSITION PURPOSE:

PACFA has 8-10 Board meetings per year. All except one are held online outside typical business hours, usually in the evenings or on weekends. This role provides high-level administrative support to the President and Board, ensuring the efficient execution of PACFA's mission, vision and values at key times of Board activity. The position efficiently and effectively communicates with the Board, Council, and Committees through meticulous organisation of meetings, agendas, minutes, and database records.

This role enhances the organisation’s governance procedures, legal, risk management and corporate communications, ensuring good governance principles are applied and legislative compliance requirements are met.

This position can be 100% remote with significant ongoing flexibility. It is anticipated that the role will involve .5 – 1 day per week with periods of 3 – 4 days per week prior to Board, AGM or Council meetings.

Our AGM is in October each year and our annual face-to-face Board meeting is in February. A complete schedule of Board, Council and General meetings is available on our website.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Schedule and facilitate Board meetings including setting up Zoom, managing recording, taking Minutes (either live or from recording).
• Organise communications with Board Directors about Board meetings, sends requests for reports, files reports, sends reminders and collates Board papers for distribution.
• Liaise with Board members on CEO and President’s behalf.
• Support the CEO by drafting Agenda of Board meetings, maintaining Conflict of Interest register, checking Action Lists and monitoring reports.
• Support the President by drafting correspondence, scheduling meetings and assisting with special projects.
• Provide administrative support for online elections of Board Directors In line with existing governance requirements.
• Coordinate administration of Annual General Meeting and Council meetings including sending timely information and reports, managing attendance, writing Minutes and supporting event on the day.
• Ensure PACFA meets ACNC/ASIC requirements.
• Maintain Board, Council and Committee records.
• Ensure PACFA website information is accurate and timely as relates to Board and governance.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Previous experience in a similar Board-supporting role
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in building positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Understanding of and experience in managing the interface between governance and operational functions within an organisation
• High attention to detail and level of accuracy
• High level interpersonal and time management skills.
• Strong skills in Microsoft 365 (particularly Word and Excel) and Adobe Acrobat

Desirable:

• Exposure to IMIS or a comparable database system
• Experience in not-for-profit governance
• Interest in counselling and psychotherapy or mental health
• Experience in a membership organisation
• Relevant Degree or qualification