• Remuneration: Above award remuneration, SCHADS Level 6, will be offered. Salary sacrifice is available
• Type of Position: Full time, 1 year contract (further extension is dependent upon funding)  
• Purpose of the Role: Deliver quality therapeutic support to victims of crime across the NT

Organisational Environment:

Victims of Crime NT Inc. (VoCNT) is a community organisation, established in 1995 to support victims across the Northern Territory who are affected by crime. Our aim is to assist people to recover, restore and grow through the provision of a range of support services. VoCNT advocates for victims through community education and promotes public and government awareness of the needs, rights and interests of victims of crime.

Victims of Crime NT operates in accordance with its Mission, Vision, Values and Policy. All staff and volunteers adhere to Privacy and Confidentiality requirements, a Code of Conduct and actively participate in organisational planning and development.

VoCNT is an inclusive organisation and supports victims of crime across the diversity spectrum within the Northern Territory. We believe our employees should emulate the diversity within our communities and encourage applications from individuals that reflect this and can meet the position requirements. 

The Victim Support Counsellor reports to the Victim Support Programs Manager (VSPM). This position is based at VoCNT Darwin office but will occasionally require regional travel necessitating the ability to be away from Darwin for a few nights. Allowances as per the Award will apply. VoCNT vehicles are available during business hours. Occasional use of your own car may be required and will be reimbursed as per the Award. The organisation offers a supportive team environment and is committed to flexible workplace practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• To utilise Trauma Informed Practice principles in all interactions.
• Deliver counselling services that promote post traumatic growth and resilience building for victims of crime.
• To actively contribute to a positive team and organisational culture and a collaborative working environment.

Duties:

• Apply Trauma Informed therapeutic processes with clients to facilitate traumatic growth and resilience for the victim that includes:
  • Building of rapport
  • Needs assessment
  • Creating a relational and physical safe space
  • Work with people how and where they present emotionally and physically
  • Utilising non-verbal communication indicators from clients to shape interactions and therapeutic processes
  • Flexible delivery according to client preference and geographical need – phone, online and face to face

• Draw from a variety of evidence-based modalities to plan a customised response for the client

• Apply knowledge of mental health disorders to ensure appropriate external referrals when necessary
• Undertake case management duties in addition to counselling as service demand requires
• Liaise with team members in relation to case management needs
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external stakeholders to achieve a seamless and continuous support experience for the client
• Promote the availability of other VoCNT services and make internal referrals as needed
• Coordinate own appointment schedule
• Ensure accurate and timely case note recording
• Attend to any associated administrative tasks promptly eg database entry and reporting requirements
• Provide monthly information and statistics to the VSPM
• Assist the VSPM to establishment a new counselling service for victims of crime

Qualifications, Professional Memberships, Experience: 

• Minimum 2 years’ experience providing quality therapeutic support
• Tertiary qualifications in Counselling, Social Work, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.

Other Requirements:

• Driver’s license
• Police check and Ochre card

Key Selection Criteria:

• Eligibility or membership of a professional body or recognised counselling association.   
• Knowledge and application of a Trauma Informed Practice approach
• Demonstrated ability to apply needs assessment processes within a therapeutic framework
• Knowledge of legislation and Criminal Justice System processes as it relates to victims of crime in the Northern Territory
• Knowledge of systemic, social and cultural influences as it relates to victims of crime.
• Understanding the potential impacts of a wide range of criminal acts on victims eg DFV, physical assault, unlawful entry  
• Highly developed communication skills and experience in building effective relationships with a diverse range of people including clients, service providers, staff and volunteers
• Knowledge of the socio-cultural experience of Australia’s First Nations Peoples and the application of this knowledge when supporting victims of crime.