Casual Crisis Counsellor/Advocate 

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre

Salary Range – MEA Award Grade 5.1

This is a woman only position under s 34 (1) of the Discrimination Act 1991 which does not make it unlawful for a person to discriminate against someone on the grounds of sex in relation to a position as an employee if it is a genuine occupational qualification for the position. 

Child protection legislation requires that the preferred applicant undertakes appropriate employment screening, including a Police Check. Working with Vulnerable People (Background checking) Act of 2011 legislation requires that the preferred applicant hold a current and valid Working with Vulnerable People card as proof of suitable employment screening and background checks. 

Tertiary qualifications in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work or other relevant experience is required, as is a current drivers licence. 

The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) is a non-government, not for profit feminist organisation working to eliminate sexual violence in our community. CRCC is a complex and unique agency that encompasses a service dedicated to supporting men, Service Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault (SAMSSA), and a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander community service, Nguru. Encompassing these services ensures that vulnerable members of all communities who have experienced sexual violence have access to crisis and counselling support for the impacts and effects of recent and historical trauma.

CRCC works collaboratively within existing service provision systems within the ACT and surrounds, to ensure that victims of sexual violence and their supporters receive appropriate support and services that are grounded in international guidelines for best practice in the treatment of sexual trauma.

CRCC is engaged in raising awareness about sexual violence, addressing structural causes of violence, improving justice responses and building an integrated service system which better supports those impacted by sexual violence. 

Casual Crisis Counsellor/Advocate Position Description 

CRCC is a 24 hour service, the crisis telephone line operates from 7am – 11pm every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays. Callouts for support and advocacy to police, medical and forensic services are attended as required over a 24 hour period, including between the hours of 11pm and 7am. Crisis Counsellor/advocates are required to be available over a rotating roster, including weekdays, weekends, oncall, and after hours shifts. 

Crisis counsellors/advocates provide immediate support, information and advocacy services to those impacted by sexual violence. This support includes but is not limited to; 

• Participating in a crisis roster for telephone crisis intervention (7am-11pm) and call out support to police, medical and forensic services (24 hour) 
• Provide crisis counselling, intervention, information, advocacy and referrals to people who have experienced sexual violence, and their supporters – via telephone and face to face appointments. 
• Support clients to navigate the criminal justice system, through ongoing court cases, Personal Protection and Family Violence applications and other needs requiring support.
• Assess the immediate needs of people who wish to access CRCC counselling services. 
• Provide reports for external agencies, including Family Court, Criminal courts, Immigration, housing, Centrelink and Victim Impact Statements. 
• Assisting clients to navigate and complete applications to the National Redress Scheme, Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme and any other appropriate applications.  
• Participate in development, review and facilitation of sexual violence education and training in our Community Education Program. 
• Maintaining client records and service provision data.

Applications close 5pm 8th September

For inquiries or to discuss the position further please contact Lauren at [email protected] or meagan at [email protected]