Sexual Assault Counselling (QPS Engagement Role)
An invitation to join Laurel Place Inc, a not-for-profit sexual assault counselling service established for over 30 years.
- 4 days per week 1-year fixed term contract (with possibility of extension subject to funding)
- SCHADS award – Level 5 + Superannuation + Salary Sacrifice
- Located in our Maroochydore office
- Applications close: 5pm Monday 4th December 2023
Applications are sought for a Counsellor in Laurel Place’s sexual assault program. This program aims to address the impact of recent sexual assault on individuals and their non-offending supporters across the Sunshine Coast region. The primary purpose of this role is to provide a consistent, specialist trauma-informed response from initial disclosure and engaging with the Queensland Police Service, through legal and court proceedings and the counselling process. A key responsibility of the role is to work collaboratively with key stakeholders including Queensland Police Service to improve outcomes for survivors of sexual violence.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide a specialised, trauma-informed response to clients and referring partners contacting Laurel Place following a disclosure of recent sexual assault.
- Complete comprehensive, trauma informed initial assessments to clients aged 12 years and over, in person, remotely (via telephone and video) and outreach including risk assessments (sexual assault, child safety, DFV and suicide).
- Provide outreach support to clients making statements to the Queensland Police Service, including court support for cases going to trial.
- Support clients to access relevant medical and forensic services, providing practical support as required.
- Provide trauma-informed, therapeutic counselling support and crisis intervention to women, young people and men aged 12 years and over, who have experienced recent sexual assault.
- Provide brief intervention and support to non-offending supporters of people who have experienced recent sexual assault.
- Work collaboratively with community, sector partners and other relevant agencies including Queensland Police Service to improve outcomes for survivors of sexual violence.
- Ensure the collection of statistical data is accurate and relevant and report same to the Team Leader.
Selection Criteria:
Required
- Minimum of a four-year tertiary degree in social work, psychology or similar. Highly desirable – at least 2 years’ experience in the field of sexual violence.
- Demonstrated understanding of the gendered nature of sexual violence and its impact at both an individual and societal level.
- Demonstrated experience providing trauma informed, developmentally sensitive and culturally safe therapeutic interventions and counselling to survivors over the age of 12 and their non-offending family members, supporters and carers (a high-level understanding of assessment, formulation and therapeutic case planning preferred).
- Well-developed skills in risk assessment (sexual assault, child protection, DVF and mental health) and crisis intervention relevant to women, men and young people over the age of 12 who have been affected by sexual violence.
- Demonstrated ability to support survivors of sexual violence with police reporting and legal processes.
- High level skills and demonstrated experience and ability to establish collaborative relationships with key stakeholders to ensure best outcomes for clients.
- Highly developed inter-personal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
If you feel you are the right person for this position and would like to be part of growing not for profit organisation that values staff, invests in your professional development and work in a supportive environment, please forward your application to [email protected] All applications to consist of CV, cover letter and addressed selection criteria for progression to shortlisting.
Applications close 5pm Monday 4th December 2023