This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, experienced trauma counsellor to join Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) and Open Place in this very important role.

About RAV and Open Place

RAV is a secular, community-based, not-for-profit organisation with no religious affiliations who have been providing services to the Victorian community for over 70 years.  Our vision is for “positive, respectful, safe and fulfilling relationships for all Australians”.  Our objective is to relieve suffering, distress and helplessness and to enhance physical, social and emotional wellbeing. Our services are for all members of the community, regardless of their religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle choice, cultural background or economic circumstances. RAV provides services from centres across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Open Place is a support and advocacy service for people who spent more than six months in institutional care prior to 1990. The service co-ordinates and provides direct assistance to help people with the legacy of their childhood experiences and provide support to improve their health and wellbeing.

About the role

Reporting to the Senior Manager Open Place your responsibilities include provision of high-quality counselling and support, brokering counselling arrangements to enable access to quality counselling support within their local area and work collaboratively with counselling services who support Victorian Forgotten Australians. Facilitate group work programs, including social and support groups at Open Place and in community settings as required. Provide clinical supervision, consultation, and support to Open Place clinicians. This role is based at our Open Place centre in Richmond and is permanent, full-time.

Skills, experience and qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in counselling, social work, psychology or a related discipline is essential.
• Post -Graduate training is required (trauma, development, family therapy etc.) and must hold or be eligible for trainee or clinical membership of relevant professional association.
• Demonstrated ability to provide counselling and support services to adults and families, especially those who have survived immense childhood disruption and ongoing trauma.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering clinical supervision to clinical staff supporting adults and families who have survived immense childhood disruption and ongoing trauma.
• Candidates with demonstratable skills, from previous experience with organisations and or culturally diverse client groups, staff and workforces or stakeholders are highly valued at RAV.
• An understanding of the 2004 Senate report on Forgotten Australians would be advantageous.

What we offer

A competitive salary package is on offer to the successful candidate with a base salary range of $95k-$102k per annum, superannuation and access to salary packaging. We are an ‘employer of choice’ providing best practice professional development, training, clinical supervision and work / life balance conditions and benefits to our staff. 

How to Apply

To apply for this position, use the APPLY button and attach your covering letter responding to the above job requirements “Skills, experience and qualifications” and your current resume/cv.

A copy of the position description is available in the application box above. For SEEK candidates, please find the position description at www.rav.org.au/careers. [link removed]

For specific queries about this position contact Cameron Boyd, Counselling and Redress Coordinator by phoning 0407 142 161, or Michelle McDonald, Centre Manager, on 0429 490 121. Applications close on 11 November 2022.

The Victorian Chief Health Officer has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for some sectors and workers.  At RAV some services and roles are required to comply with the Government mandated orders unless a medical exemption applies.  The health and safety of our employees and clients is a priority. Candidates are required to provide vaccination evidence during the recruitment process.

RAV is committed to building and supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ communities and people with disabilities. We are committed to the safety of our clients and staff and promote a child-safe work environment. We recognise the lifelong impacts of childhood trauma and recognise those who had children taken away from them. All staff must undergo a National Police Check, International Police Check (if applicable) and Working with Children Check. RAV is a public benevolent institution.