Rebuilding Shattered Lives – supporting refugees to recover from torture and other traumatic events
Our story
The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. (also known as Foundation House) was founded in 1987 to advance the health, wellbeing and human rights of people of refugee background who have experienced torture or other traumatic events. We have worked with over 100,000 people from more than 70 different communities and are recognised as a national leader in the provision of trauma-informed and trauma-focused service delivery.
Your impact
Foundation House adopts a holistic and integrated approach to meeting the needs of our clients and their communities. We do so to ensure a more complete application of trauma-informed principles and trauma focussed interventions. As such, Foundation House aims to address both the complex psychological impact of torture and trauma along with addressing the challenges clients face in terms of the broader social and economic determinants of mental health.
As a Group Work Coordinator, you will be responsible for the development, implementation and delivery of group work programs which are aligned with the Foundation House trauma recovery framework. These programs will use a family-centred approach and developmentally appropriate, psychosocial therapeutic interventions. Group programs will be accessible, trauma-informed, culturally appropriate and safe to meet the complex needs of refugee background survivors of torture and other traumatic events. Foundation House provides regular supervision and professional development support to assist you in undertaking your work.
A key focus of the position will be collaborating with other Foundation House programs, teams and relevant community leaders or advisors to co-develop, plan, implement and evaluate groups, in consultation with the regional leadership team. This role will also develop strong collaborative stakeholder relationships and partnerships with external organisations to ensure group programs are responsive to the needs of refugee background survivors of torture and other traumatic events. Continuous feedback about groups, via the client information system, is essential to inform the systemic advocacy Foundation House provides, which is aimed at improving client services and relevant areas of government policies and programs.
For further details on our Counsellor Advocate model, please see our website https://foundationhouse.org.au/be-involved/careers-with-us/our-counsellor-advocate-model/
About You
We are looking for a Group Work Coordinator who is committed to advancing human rights and is passionate about supporting trauma recovery for refugee background individuals and families. You will be compassionate, thoughtful, professional, accountable, committed to continuous learning and demonstrate integrity in all you do.
You will embrace working with people from many cultural and religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. You will demonstrate flexibility in providing support to our clients.
We have one ongoing position available in each of our Dandenong, Sunshine and Dallas (close to Broadmeadows) offices and are offering between 0.8 EFT and 1 EFT.
What you’ll need
To be successful, you will need to positively respond to the below selection criteria:
* Relevant tertiary qualifications in psychology, social work, counselling, or other related discipline.
* Demonstrated experience and advanced skills in facilitating psycho-educative and therapeutic counselling groups.
* Demonstrated expertise in trauma-informed practice and providing trauma-focused counselling interventions using a range of evidence-based modalities in a culturally appropriate and safe way.
* Demonstrated experience and expertise to undertake comprehensive psychosocial assessments and risk assessments with children, young people, adults and their families.
* Good understanding of how to negotiate and advocate with multiple service systems in Victoria to support the needs of refugees and asylum seekers.
* Ability to work in a cross-cultural context including working with interpreters.
In return
You’ll be rewarded with:
* an attractive remuneration package, $109,312 (gross per annum pro-rata) + superannuation + leave loading
* salary packaging benefits of up to $18,550 novated car leasing options
* a role with true purpose to make a difference in people’s lives
* a welcoming, highly diverse and supportive team environment
* excellent training and professional development
* generous leave provisions with option to purchase additional leave
* access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members.
Foundation House is an inclusive employer.
Foundation House is an equal opportunity employer; we foster a work environment that is inclusive and diverse. We are values driven and are committed to improving the life outcomes of refugees and asylum seekers.
Foundation House is a state-wide agency offering services throughout Victoria. We currently have approximately 250 staff across our five offices in Brunswick, Dallas, Dandenong, Ringwood and Sunshine, and we also provide services in partnership with other agencies in regional and rural Victoria.
Foundation House is a Child Safe organisation committed to promoting and protecting the interests and safety of children. We actively play a part in combating family violence, as reflected in our organisational policies, protocols and staff development.
Read more about our history on our website here.
How to apply
please upload your CV and a cover letter (maximum one to two pages) outlining why you are suitable for this role and how you meet the selection criteria as described above.
Please refer to the position description in our website: https://hcm616.peoplestreme.net/foundationhouse/erec_external.asp?jobId=264 for detailed information about the role. For more information about our hiring process, please refer to our careers with us page https://foundationhouse.org.au/be-involved/careers-with-us/our-hiring-process/
Please note, applications will be considered as they are received.
For enquiries please contact Silvana Goreal, HR Coordinator on 03 9389 8953 or via [email protected]
If you think you have what it takes but don’t necessarily meet all selection criteria, please still get in touch as we would love to talk with you and see if you could be a suitable fit.
Hiring is subject to satisfactory Police Check, current Working with Children Check, and proof of the right to work and live in Australia.