WestCASA is a community based not for profit sexual assault, family violence and trauma counselling service which has been operating in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne for over 30 years. WestCASA provides counselling, a crisis response, advocacy, education, and training and is located in the Multi-Disciplinary Centre (MDC) in Werribee with outreach to Footscray, Melton and the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (DPFC, a women’s prison) in Ravenhall.

WestCASA is a partner with the Gatehouse Centre, Victoria Police (Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team – SOCIT and the Westgate Family Violence Unit), IPC Health, GenWest, and Child Protection in the Multi-Disciplinary Centre (MDC) in the City of Wyndham.

WestCASA receives funding to deliver sexual assault and family violence support services from the Victoria State Government. WestCASA aims to provide a service that facilitates the recovery and healing for women, men, diverse gender folk and young people over the age of 12 years who have experienced sexual assault, family violence and other trauma using an empowering, respectful, and culturally sensitive therapeutic approach.

WestCASA is committed to helping people of all gender identities, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religions, ages, and physical abilities. This includes trans, gender diverse and non-binary people of all gender identities and expressions as well as cis gendered women and men. We respect and celebrate the diversity within our communities and workplace and recognise that people may use different terms to describe their identity and experience. At WestCASA you are required to include and celebrate differences such as gender, age, culture, disability, sexual orientation, religion, spirituality, family, and caring responsibilities. These are all valued, respected and celebrated.

Since 2006, WestCASA has been providing specialist counselling to women and gender diverse people in DPFC, titled Specialist Trauma Service for Women in Prisons.

The program was established because of the high number of women in prison reporting experiencing some form of sexual abuse and/or assault and was the first of its kind to be offered within the Victorian Women’s Prison System.

The WestCASA Specialist Trauma Therapeutic Service is located at the DPFC and has recently undergone a review resulting in changes to the eligibility criteria, length of time sessions for counselling are provided and advocacy service provision. The new working environment includes more opportunities for clinical staff to rotate within other WestCASA operating sites.

Position Specifications

Location: Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (DPFC), MDC Werribee

Classification: WestCASA EBA 2022 – 2026, Grade 2 Counsellor Advocate

Reporting structure: Reports to DPFC Team Leader

Direct Reports: N/A

Hours of employment: .8 FTE (30 hours per week)

WestCASA standard working hours are between 8.00am – 7.00 pm and flexible work arrangements are available.

Duties of this role may include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop effective working relationships with women in remand & pre- and post-release programs.
• Develop positive working relationships and work collaboratively with key partners to maximise outcomes for programs for women incarcerated in the prison
• Actively participate in meetings and forums
• Provide support and assistance to women prisoners with high or complex needs.
• Ensure operational tools including client files and case notes are completed in a timely and accurate manner & in line with government policy.
• Establish new processes for effectively managing & referrals and waitlists with the multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure trauma counselling services are delivered within the new DPFC Model of Care Framework that sets out changes to service delivery & evaluation of the new Model of Care Framework.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities, as directed by the Team Leader or delegate.

Other Duties:

• As reasonably requested and in line with the WestCASA EBA.

General Organisational Responsibilities:

• Work within a trauma informed, intersectional feminist framework.
• Adhere to WestCASA values both within your role and when representing WestCASA.
• Participate in and contribute to meetings, supervision, training, and professional development.
• Adhere to all organisational policies.

Qualifications

Essential:

A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or equivalent or other relevant course (e.g. relevant experience in similar role. This role requires a compassionate, skilled, and experienced individual with a comprehensive understanding of sexual assault counselling and trauma-informed care.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Experience (minimum of 4 to 5 years) in sexual assault counselling service or equivalent.
• Sound knowledge and experience and evidence base for providing counselling, group work and advocacy in a prison setting.
• Extensive experience & training in managing a trauma informed workplace and exhibit emotional intelligence, openness to feedback, and effective engagement with staff.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to the needs of diverse populations.
• Commitment to promoting and upholding the rights and dignity of all clients.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provision of Trauma Counselling and Support:

• Provide trauma-informed counselling and support services to 406 female inmates who have experienced sexual assault.
• Conduct intake assessments and develop individualized counseling plans tailored to the needs of each client.
• Facilitate both group and one-on-one counseling sessions.
• Support counselors in the development and implementation of counseling strategies and techniques.

Training and Development:

Lead and Participate in the development and delivery of innovative that are trauma and evidenced informed to ensure staff are equipped with the specialist skill base and knowledge to effectively improve outcomes for this client group.

Promote evidence-informed practice

• Evaluate the trauma counselling, advocacy and group services delivered and aligned with National best practice standards & well-articulated, understood, and monitored.
• Demonstrate high level communication and interpersonal skills with team and stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and to produce high quality, accurate work within set deadlines.
• Demonstrated organisational ability in the maintenance of records, reports and files
• Commitment to and understanding of WestCASA’s Vision, Mission and Aims

Desirable:

• The ability to work autonomously as well as in a team environment.
• Highly organized & advanced management skills
• Stay updated on the latest research, best practices, and developments in the field of sexual assault counseling and trauma-informed care.
• Demonstrated working rights with Australia
• Current Victorian Drivers License
• Ability to obtain a Working with Children Check
• Willingness to undergo a National Police Check (and International where relevant)

Call 03) 9216 0444 for more information.

A position description is attached.