Windermere is a community services organisation working for those with varied and complex needs, and we truly believe that everyone is someone in our community.  

Join us at Windermere. Where we make the effort to understand every individual employee, what matters to them and recognise the value that each person contributes. Empowering them to grow and work in ways that bring out their whole and best self. 

We celebrate our diverse range of perspectives, people and ideas and there has never been a better time to join!

Why Windermere?

We are committed to outcome-focused care for children, families and individuals and to making a positive difference in the community. As well as tailored support services for individuals and families, Windermere provides a varied scope of services to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Windermere offers a culture of flexibility, support and wellbeing.

Staff Benefits - this is where we stand out from the crowd!  Windermere offers staff a wide range of unique benefits beyond the salary.

• Flexible Ways of Working - home, in the office or combination of both
• Above Award Personal Leave and 17.5% annual leave loading
• Gifted days off (between Christmas and New Year)
• Employee Referral Program
• Flexible Leave Scheme (50/52, 51/52)
• Study leave and opportunities for professional development
• Generous salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year + additional $2,650 meals and entertainment)
• Staff discount program for everyday items
• Rostered Days Off
• Paid Parental Leave

Windermere care about staff and strive for continuous improvement, which is why we regularly ask our staff and consumers about what we can do better. In our latest staff survey 95% of respondents said they are "happy to tell their family and friends they work at Windermere" and 95% agree "staff are welcome regardless of age, cultural background, race, religion, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation".  

Now, let’s talk about this exciting opportunity!

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our counsellors are dedicated to supporting and providing holistic support to families who have experienced family violence. Are you also driven by the prospect of delivering positive outcomes for these families?

Windermere has partnered with Taskforce to support and safeguard families who have experienced family violence, as well as mental health, and drug and alcohol related concerns through the innovative Engaging Families Program. Engaging Families is a Communities for Children program with Anglicare being the Facilitating Partner. Taskforce and Windermere staff co-work with each consumer in this unique, holistic and supportive program.

If you are an experienced Counsellor looking to join a community of talented employees who are committed to providing integrated support to children and families, then this part-time (0.5, 2.5-days per week) role may appeal to you.

ABOUT YOU

• Passionate about making a difference in the lives of families;
• Flexible in approach, innovative in thinking and strengths based in practice;
• Tertiary qualified in Psychology, Social Work, Family Therapy, or Counselling;
• Knowledgeable in trauma and therapeutic experience in counselling; and
• Experienced in risk assessment, safety planning and crisis management.

Although this role is based in our Pakenham office, you will have the opportunity to work flexibly and creatively in your provision of office-based or outreach counselling and parenting support to consumers within the Cardinia Shire area. Do not miss this opportunity to improve lives in a values-based, progressive community organisation with heart, courage and conviction.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Family Therapy, or Counselling;
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of trauma and trauma informed practice.
• Passionate about making a difference in the lives of families.
• Flexible in approach, innovative in thinking and strengths based in practice
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of Family Violence.
• Experienced in risk assessment, safety planning and crisis management aligning with the MARAM framework.
• Ability to work collaboratively with community partners.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills. Able to maintain consumer files and databases. Ability to prepare written reports.
• Planning and organising – excellent time management and organisational skills. Ability to work under pressure.
• Willingness to promote and support practices that are inclusive, culturally responsive, safe and accessible.

• Current Victorian Drivers’ Licence.
• Willingness to undertake relevant pre-employment screening and checks.
• Right to Work in Australia e.g. Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Visa holder with full working rights

If this job excites you, then click the 'Apply Now' button to view the detailed Position Description and submit your application. Please also ensure you address the Key Selection Criteria in your application letter.

If you require any specific access adjustments or support within the Windermere recruitment, interview or onboarding process please contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist via phone +613 8794 1311 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Counsellor - Engaging Families enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Windermere is committed to equity & equality for consumers and employees, this by building diverse and inclusive services and work environments, where all peoples from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTIQ+ Communities and those living with disability will know and feel accepted, affirmed, safe and celebrated. Windermere is delivering this through the continued development and implementation of our Welcoming and Inclusion Strategy as we seek to provide a diverse workforce at all levels.