• Hybrid working conditions – Preston and working from home
• Permanent Full Time
• $91,000 – $95,000 + Super + salary packaging

Your new organisation

At Merri Health, we strive to enrich diverse communities through the provision of quality health care and support services. Merri health is kicking goals by proudly being Rainbow Tick accredited, being an employer of choice for gender equality. A career at Merri includes access to a generous salary, uniquely proactive and comprehensive health and wellbeing framework, and an imbedded learning and development program to support you through all stages of your employment journey. Fun, diverse and inclusive workplace culture. 

Your new role

Reporting to the Team Leader, Carer Counselling and Coaching, you will be an integral part of the highly effective Merri Carer Services team. You will play an important role in shaping the future of carer services in Merri’s catchment area and will be able to make a real difference.
We offer a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which encourages you to bring your whole self to work. As the successful applicant you’ll be joining an organisation where you will be supported to grow, learn and develop your skills to reach your potential.
You will also have access to generous salary packaging, purchase leave and flexible work arrangement options.

Carer Counsellors are responsible for providing a range of short-term counselling and support services, including, care coordination, and group work to carers who care for people who are aged, have a disability, mental health condition or other chronic health condition including dementia. Carer counsellors provide direct counselling to individuals through face to face, structured telephone calls, internet or group work. The Carer Counsellor has a role in networking with other service providers in the region.

You will be responsible for

As a Carer Counsellor, you will be responsible for:

• delivering person-centred carer counselling using a range of methodologies and therapeutic approaches
• developing, planning and delivering group counselling programs and other innovative offerings that meet carers’ needs
• linking carers in with other appropriate longer-term supports
• collaborating with the counselling team and wider carer services program on projects and events

What you will need to succeed

We’re looking for individuals with:

• Bachelor qualification in Social Work, counselling degree or equivalent tertiary related field and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in counselling/related field
• Formally accredited by one of the following Associations: Australian Counselling Association (ACA), or Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PCFA), or Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Knowledge of a broad range of therapeutic interventions and theoretical frameworks
• Experience in working with individuals and groups with short-term counselling and support needs.
• Very good knowledge of the community care sector and potential referral pathways
• Ability to work under set funding targets and compliance requirements

What we offer

We offer a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which encourages you to bring your whole self to work.  As the successful applicant you’ll be joining an organisation where you will be supported to grow, learn and develop your skills to reach your potential.

You will also have access to generous salary packaging, purchase leave and flexible work arrangement options.

What you need to do now

Please take some time to learn more about us on our website, and review the position description.  If you have any questions, contact Team leader – Carer Counsellor, Voula Bitaxis on [email protected], or 0428 513 380.

When you’re ready to apply, click apply now to be redirected to our careers website.

Applications close 31/10/2022

What else do I need to know

Preferred candidates will be subject to comprehensive reference and pre-employment background checking conducted by Merri Health prior to an offer of employment, including criminal record history check, NDIS worker screening and other employee screening and credential checks as determined by the position description.

All candidates must have the right to work in Australia. Merri Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring a safe environment for children and young people.

We encourage individuals of diverse backgrounds including but not limited to those from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, the LGBTIQA+ community and those living with a disability to apply.