We believe in the power of inspired young people

The Y Brisbane is a not-for-profit organisation with leading services in childcare, fitness, camping, education, hospitality, youth, recreation and community programs.

As the largest global youth movement, reaching almost 65 million people in 120 countries, the Y has a shared purpose of empowering young people. We have been working in local communities across Australia since 1854 and in Brisbane from 1864.

The services we provide help fund our Social Impact initiatives across South East Queensland, including Schools’ Breakfast Program, Vocational Schools, Cancer Survivors Program, Community Centres, Affordable Housing, Youth Mentoring and more. We also provide facilities and programs for marginalised and disadvantaged young people in need of help as well as providing affordable accommodation for people who have been without a home.

YMCA Wellbeing Services aim to improve young people’s access and engagement with education through developing mental wellbeing and reducing barriers. We achieve this through the provision of best practice individualised support pathways, including psychological intervention, counselling and case management support. In addition, we deliver evidence-based Wellbeing Group Programs, both proactive and developmentally focused, that meet the needs of children and young people, many of whom have experienced complex trauma, disadvantage and / or disability.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior Practitioner will work within the YMCA Vocational School group to provide support, oversight, staff management and practice development to the counselling and case working teams. In addition you will provide ongoing framework development as well as whole of staff training, and development. This position will be located at our Wellbeing Hub in Cannon Hill.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, this role will achieve long term outcomes by:

• Supervising a multidisciplinary team of counsellors and case workers, located across multiple schools throughout greater Brisbane. Ensuring a high standard of support is provided to students through the coordination of direct support to students, advocacy, and through consultation and contribution to student learning plans;
• Developing the capabilities of staff by delivering YMCA’s wellbeing framework, Thrive, including the creation of resources and provision of training to all staff on a wide range of wellbeing-related matters; and
• Supporting students’ learning by administering or coordinating assessments, formulating Personal Education Plans with teaching staff and resourcing students with cognitive, sensory and/or social/ emotional challenges.

This is permanent, fixed-term position.

ABOUT YOU
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the YMCA’s mission, vision and values and will be able to meet the following selection criteria:

Essential:

• An undergraduate and/ or postgraduate degree relating to psychology or counselling;
• Demonstrated experience developing and/or delivering evidence-based wellbeing frameworks for children and young people, and a strong understanding of mental health, complex trauma and related theories and models;
• A minimum five (5) years’ experience in counselling, psychology or equivalent field; eligible for membership in ACA, PACFA or equivalent registering body;
• A minimum of (3) years’ experience in staff supervision and staff management;
• Demonstrated experience learning and managing other mental health professionals;
• Demonstrated experience coordinating learning and development activities including training and coaching to individuals and groups;
• Understanding of and commitment to evaluation and learning, including the use of evidence-based measurement tools and methodologies;
• Strong problem solving skills and excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain quality relationships with young people, parents/ caregivers, staff and external stakeholders;
• Computer literacy and prior experience using a range of office software including Word and Excel;
• Possession of current First Aid and CPR qualifications, or willingness to obtain;
• Minimum Class C drivers license or equivalent;

Desirable:

• Tertiary qualification in Education is highly desirable;
• Membership of the Australian Psychological Society, Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia or Queensland Guidance Counselling Association.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please upload your resume/CV and a 1-2 page cover letter detailing your suitability for this position by responding to the selection criteria stated above by COB Wednesday, 1 March 2021, using the “Apply for this Job” button.

You must have working rights in Australia to be able to apply for this position.

YMCA, including Boards of Directors, is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in accordance with our Safeguarding Children and Young People framework. YMCA requires that all applicants undergo satisfactory screening prior to commencement, including but not limited to:

• a national criminal history check;
• an international criminal history check where applicants have worked overseas;
• holding or obtaining a Working with Children Clearance/ equivalent in accordance with state/ territory laws.

Any successfully appointed applicant will be required to adhere to the Safeguarding Children and Young People framework, which includes a thorough safeguarding children and young people induction and committing to upholding the safety and wellbeing of children and young people throughout their engagement with YMCA.
The YMCA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding children and young people.