Therapeutic Counsellor – Gambling and Generalist Counselling

• A supportive workplace that will help you to develop your skills further
• Not for profit Salary Packaging available

About the Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) was established in 1973 to address the specific medical needs of Victorian Aboriginal communities. 2023 marked a landmark year as VAHS proudly celebrated its 50-year of providing a comprehensive range of medical, dental, allied health and social services for our community.

As well as providing a variety of medical services, VAHS is committed to supporting the well-being of the community through contributions to community events and activities. VAHS is also committed to assisting research into the ongoing needs of the community.

VAHS is a child safe organisation, committed to child safety and wellbeing, and recruits’ staff in accordance with the Child Safe Standards Victoria.

About the Opportunity

The role of the Therapeutic Counsellor is to assist develop and provide therapeutic intervention services to individuals and families who are affected by a range of presenting issues inclusive of clients adversely affected by gambling behaviours.

The Therapeutic Counsellor sits within VAHS Financial Wellbeing Team to provide comprehensive counselling and services aimed at building capacity and Community awareness of gambling harm and associated issues.

Key responsibilities

• Client Partnership: Work collaboratively with individuals seeking social and emotional well-being counselling services at VAHS. This involves managing a caseload of clients and providing evidence-based therapeutic support. The approach will prioritise cultural safety for Community members dealing with a range of complex needs, including issues related to gambling behaviours.
• Collaboration: Actively work as part of a multidisciplinary team and engage with relevant external organisations. Responsibilities include managing case intake and referrals, coordinating care and treatment plans, and providing secondary consultations to ensure each individual receives comprehensive, holistic support.
• Capacity Building: Contribute to raising awareness and enhancing service delivery related to gambling harm within the Aboriginal community. This includes supporting First Nations knowledge-sharing initiatives in the gambling help sector and participating in First Nations Gambling Awareness Network (Department of Health) meetings and consultations to inform the development of culturally appropriate and effective services. Contribute to the development and sustainability of integrated services that are culturally informed and provide a holistic model of care for Aboriginal (ATSI) clients and their families.
• Professional Development and Collaboration
• Supervision: Attend External Clinical Supervision monthly or as needed to ensure personal well-being and high-quality client care.
• Professional Development & Training opportunities
• Team Meetings: Participate in VAHS Family Counselling Clinic Meetings, Adult Mental Health SEWB, and Financial & Therapeutic Counselling Service Team meetings to support integrated service delivery.
• Case Management & Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed client case notes in line with VAHS organisational policies.
  • Ensure all client documentation, including client assessments, care plans, and progress notes, are regularly updated in VAHS MMEx databases & provide de-identified client data as may be required by Dept of Health data collection.
  • Comply with legal, ethical, and statutory requirements

Prerequisites

• A relevant tertiary Qualification in a relevant discipline – Psychology, Psychotherapy, Addiction Studies, Behavioural Sciences or Social Work
• Registration or eligibility for registration with the relevant professional body- APS, AASW or PACFA