Relationships Australia is a community sector organisation with a proud and rich history. We connect with families, communities and thousands of people across the lifespan. You may know us for our family and couples counselling – we also give back to the community through our work in family violence prevention, working with people experiencing gambling harm, with families that have been touched by the sudden death of a loved one, with people who have experienced trauma and with people who are challenged by their mental health, among other things.

With us, you will work with people at times of vulnerability in their lives, create a career you’ll love and join a warm and caring team who make a difference.

The role of this position is to provide intensive therapeutic counselling, information and referral services for ACT residents who have experienced a sudden and traumatic death being investigated by the ACT Coroner.

The Coronial Counselling Service objective is to enable healthy long term bereavement outcomes. It aims to:

• support people through bereavement and reduce the impact of trauma and vicarious trauma on family members and friends using a systemic therapeutic framework; and
• provide support for people as they negotiate the ACT coronial process.

Your new role

Under the supervision of the Practice Manager – Therapeutic Services, Coronial Counsellors are required to:

• Provide support and counselling throughout the coronial process as needed or up to three months post-inquest.
• Complete all data requirements including case notes, statistical and administrative records for each session or activity.
• Complete four sessions of counselling per day (dependent on case management requirements) for a full-time equivalent position (or pro-rata);
• Deliver outreach services, and EAP counselling sessions as required.

What you’ll need to succeed

1. Tertiary qualification in the field of Social Work, Social Science, Psychology, Counselling or related area and current registration with at least one of the following professional associations: Australian Psychological Society (APS), the Australian Association for Social Workers (AASW), Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
2. Ability to demonstrate a systemic and theoretical approach to trauma and grief counselling, and demonstrate an understanding of the practice frameworks applicable to working with individuals, couples, children and families in reducing the impact of trauma and vicarious trauma.
3. Demonstrated skills and experience in counselling associated with trauma, grief and loss in the context of death, plus knowledge of the interaction with domestic violence and crisis intervention.
4. Experience and competency in working with crisis suicidal ideation.

For a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the position description found via www.racr.relationships.org.au/about-us/employment

This position is a full-time, ongoing role, based in Deakin, ACT.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants are encouraged to apply.

What you’ll get in return

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded not-for-profit, community-based organisation in a leadership position where you will have the opportunity to continue to grow and develop your career. You will receive a generous package including professional development and NFP salary packaging. In this role you will be able to make a positive difference in the lives of people in the community every day.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in the role, please submit your resume with names of two work related referees and a cover letter specifically addressing each of the selection criteria (no more than half a page response under each criterion). Applications that do not address selection criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process.

Applications should be submitted only via the “Apply” button on our website.

Position description with selection criteria is available at www.racr.relationships.org.au/about-us/employment

For further information, contact the Karen on (02) 61227 164 or email [email protected] to have a discussion.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 28 November 2022