Family Support Counsellor

Cooktown District Community Centre (CDCC) is a not-for-profit organisation providing community services and supports to Cooktown, Hopevale, Wujal Wujal and Laura; including Financial Support, Child & Family Support, Family Support, Youth Engagement, Youth Alcohol and other drugs (AOD), Domestic & Family Violence Support, 60’s and Better and Intensive Playgroup. 

CDCC provides a family-oriented, friendly, and supportive work environment interested in the employees’ ongoing professional development and engagement. An HSQF accredited organisation CDCC is able to secure vital funding for community services programs and holds a positive vision for future funding and expanding services. 

Generous salary packaging applies. You can salary package up to $15,900 each Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year for general living expenses. Based on experience, the position offers level 4-5 pay point under the Social & Community Services Award preserved rates, and 10.5% superannuation, plus salary packaging. 

Position Details

This part-time position works 4 days per week or a 9-day fortnight. The Family Support Counsellor role is funded through the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services. The funding aims to deliver services to families to improve the safety and well-being of children in their homes and reduce the need for children to enter or re-enter the statutory system. These services have a child protection purpose and focus primarily on protecting vulnerable children and young people. This service will work directly with families experiencing vulnerability to strengthen their capability, parenting skills, and resilience to avoid entry into the statutory system or when exiting from it. 

The Family Support Counsellor’s key focus is to provide case management, counselling, support, and intervention activities in Cooktown and the remote communities in the surrounding district. This role also contributes to community education and development and service/sector development through networking, education, advocacy, planning, training, and advisory activities. The service involves frequent travel by vehicle throughout the district.

The successful applicant will ideally hold qualifications in counselling, social work, or community service, OR you will have relevant work experience working with and supporting vulnerable families and be willing to study those areas while completing the role.

Key Duties include but not limited to:

• Provide support, needs assessment, case management, advocacy, counselling, information and referral, to the communities and townships of Wujal Wujal, Laura, Hope Vale and Cooktown.
• Provide counselling services to people experiencing social, financial or emotional difficulties; and other community members identified as vulnerable.
• Maintain and develop links and networks with other organisations to provide integrated responses, effective services and improved coordination.
• Maintain and develop professional and client resources for use in the organisation.
• Maintain and develop links and networks with other organisations to provide integrated responses, effective services and improved coordination.
• Prepare and maintain appropriate, accurate and confidential records of client work.
• Complete administrative procedures, documentation and reporting per the Human Services Quality Framework.  

A copy of the position description can be provided on request. Please contact Kath Pennell (07) 4082 1400 if you would like further information prior to submitting your application. 

Selection Criteria

SC1    Tertiary qualifications in the Behavioural or Social Sciences, or equivalent wok experience with a willingness to complete further studies. 

SC2    Demonstrated work experience in a broad-based social work or counsellor role, supporting clients in rural and remote settings from diverse cultural, economic, and social backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

SC3    In-depth awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lifestyle, customs, and issues, knowledge of cultural differences, and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

SC4    Demonstrated ability to manage your time to solve problems, plan and deliver outcomes.

SC6   High level of written and spoken communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work autonomously, and cooperatively within a team environment, to attain organisational and client goals. 

SC7     Computer literacy and highly developed written and oral communications skill are essential.

Additional factors:

• Must hold a current drivers licence; and 
• Working with Children & Young People “Blue Card”.

Applicants are requested to provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria against their relevant work experience and a current resume with the names of two professional referees.

Apply now through Seek.  Applications close Sunday 13th August 2023