Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential. We reflect on the critical factors shaping our contemporary world; the social, political and economic contexts, and we adapt our practice to work with those most in need.

Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.

We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.

About the role

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join the team as an experienced Bereavement Counsellor with a proportion of the caseload focused on the LGBTQIA+ community.  You will provide therapeutic interventions and counselling to people who have experienced bereavement and trauma associated with suicide.

The ideal candidate will be flexible in their approach, at times conducting outreach visits to families or working evenings when required.

Additionally the role will contribute to the ongoing development of the program and developing best practice in the field.  A tertiary qualification in psychology, social work, and/or recognised qualifications in counselling or clinical practice are essential.

This is a 0.6FTE role.

Competitive remuneration, plus salary packaging benefit, is offered together with ongoing professional and career development as well as opportunities for personal growth.

What Jesuit Social Services can offer you:

• An organisation that lives its values, through its day to day work
• A welcoming and supportive relational environment
• A comprehensive Induction and Orientation program
• Ongoing training and development related to your role
• Employee assistance program
• A competitive salary plus salary packaging benefits
• Generous leave

About you

This role will suit a candidate with the following skills and experience:

• Appropriate counselling and group work experience.
• Relevant experience in the context of bereavement and trauma is highly desirable.
• Experience working with and providing appropriate interventions to people from the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Experience in the provision of secondary consultation to other service providers and professionals.
• Experience in the delivery of education programs and workshops.
• Capacity to work in a small team and under supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with and develop respectful collaborative relationships with other professionals.
• Ability to work independently and flexibly according to changing needs and demands.

About the program

Support After Suicide is an initiative of Jesuit Social Services within the Mental Health and Wellbeing stream which provides postvention support. Operating in the metropolitan region of Melbourne and regional Victoria, the project aims to develop, implement and document an effective service model that:

• Responds in an effective, compassionate, appropriate and timely manner to those bereaved by suicide, including families and children, and those most marginalised in our community;
• Enhances the capacity of the health, welfare and education sectors to respond effectively to those bereaved by suicide.

How to apply

• Upload your resume and cover letter incorporating your responses to the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description.
• For further information please contact Greg Roberts, Manager Support After Suicide Victoria on 0456 582 761.

Position description can be found here (copy and paste URL into your browser):

https://jss.elmotalent.com.au/uploads/jss/files/PD%20-%20Bereavement%20Counsellor%20LGBTQIA%20-%20Support%20After%20Suicide%20-%20November%202023.pdf

Applications close at 5pm on 8 December 2023

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the closing date may be subject to change without notice.

Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.

We strongly encourage applications from all community members including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with a disability, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and working parents.

Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.