Our values:

Empowerment: Recognition structural inequalities we advocate and work therapeutically to empower people to have choice over their own lives

Safety and Inclusion: For everyone. We strive to create a safe environment for all at WestCASA and to identify and address barriers to inclusion.

Compassion: We value and engender compassion with clients and with ourselves. Excellence and consistency: We promote reflection, best practice, and accountability in all that we do and say.

Advocating: for greater understanding and community responsibility for the conditions under which sexual assault and related family violence occur. For resources and delivering services that support the prevention of and education about sexual assault and related family violence across our community.

OUR ORGANISATION: 

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.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

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.

DAME PHYLLIS FROST CENTRE:

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.

Position Specifications

Role title: Counsellor Advocate | DPFC (x 2 positions available)

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

Classification WestCASA EBA 2022 – 2026, Grade 2 Counsellor Advocate, year 1

Reporting structure: Reports to DPFC Team Leader

Direct Reports: N/A

Hours of employment: .8 FTE (30 hours per week) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

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

ROLE RESPONSIBILIES:

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

• Deliver trauma informed counselling and advocacy to women and gender diverse people at DPFC
• Develop positive working relationships and work collaboratively with key partners to maximise outcomes for programs for women and gender diverse incarcerated in the prison
• Actively participate in meetings and forums
• 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.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of the new model of care.
• 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 counseling and trauma-informed care.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Experience (minimum of 2 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 counseling, support and advocacy services to women and gender diverse people at DPFC who have experienced sexual assault and other significant traumas.
• Conduct intake assessments and develop individualised counselling plans tailored to the needs of each client.
• Facilitate both group and one-on-one counselling sessions.
• Support counsellors in the development and implementation of counselling 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 organised & advanced management skills
• Stay updated on the latest research, best practices, and developments in the field of sexual assault counseling and trauma-informed care.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: 

• 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)

If you are excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t perfectly match the criteria we encourage you to submit your application. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with disability, women from culturally diverse backgrounds, and LGBTIQ women including trans and gender diverse people who identify as women are strongly encouraged to apply. VCAT Exemption No. H229/2014 means that only women can apply for this position.

If you would like any further information or to speak to the DPFC Team Leader, please call 03) 9216 0444.

A position description is attached.