The Wollongong West Street Centre (WSC) is a non-government counselling service, providing medium to long term counselling to children, young people and women (and their non offending families), who have been impacted by childhood sexual abuse, in the Illawarra region. The service operates from a feminist and social justice orientation in addressing the effects of sexual violence on women and children.

The role is a female identified position under section 31 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1997. We are looking for an experienced counsellor to join our team on four day a week basis for the next two years (ongoing if funding continues).

Why work with us?

WSC is a supportive organisation situated in a warm and inviting non-clinical environment. We value diversity and collaboration and are committed to nurturing our staffs practice through regular professional development and supervision.

If you are looking to make a valuable contribution to community through the delivery of social justice orientated practice, and meet the selection criteria, we invite you to apply for this role.

Additional Benefits include:

• Above award pay from $53.84 to $58.45 per hour, dependent on qualifications and experience.
• Full salary packaging.
• Additional generous leave entitlements to support the counsellor’s ongoing wellness.

ROLE PURPOSE

The role is focused on the provision of high-quality counselling/therapy that addresses the effects of child sexual assault with individuals and families. The position will carry both the therapeutic caseload as well as the opportunities to contribute to the other parts of our service delivery

Fostering a sense of community for women who experience childhood sexual abuse is an additional aspect of our service and this role will contribute to group work and community development activities that promote our service user’s dignity while alleviating the social isolation that many women experience.

We are looking for someone who holds the following qualifications, knowledge and skills:

• Tertiary qualifications in social work, psychology or other related fields;
• Demonstrated skills and experience in child sexual assault (CSA) counselling within modalities which align with the WSC model of care. Thorough understanding of how to work with the impact of and responses to CSA with women, young people, children and their families;
• Commitment to ethical practice and provision of service within a feminist and social justice framework;
• Experience and skills in the provision of advocacy for service users navigating the legal and other social service systems;
• Knowledge of relevant child protection legislation & guidelines and significant experience in child protection practice;
• Ability and skills to provide therapeutic group-work;
• Ability and skills in shared clinical leadership, service development and planning within a small team;
• Understanding of community development principles and practice, commitment to participate in community development activities;
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills including report writing;
• Proficient in IT programs and applications pertaining to the role. This includes Microsoft word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as other data management systems;
• Knowledge of current legislation and policy pertaining to the sexual assault and family violence sector;
• Experience and skills in developing effective working relationships both within a small team and in service delivery with relevant agency partners; and
• Current driver’s license and access to a car with comprehensive insurance.

You are welcome to contact Michelle Fraser, Service Manager for further information about the centre and position on (02) 4226 6441 or 0457585157 during working hours

A position description is attached.