54 reasons is proud to be working collaboratively with DV Connect, Telstra Health and Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre to deliver the federally-funded 1800RESPECT program in Victoria, South Australia and the NT. We’re looking for passionate, dedicated telephone counsellors who will share our values of trauma-informed, child-centred domestic and family violence practice.

54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation – no ordinary not-for-profit.

Proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and global movement, we’re here to make sure that everyone understands their rights. So that children and young people have their rights met and thrive, in all their diversity.

We champion the children, young people and families we work with. We are inspired by the curiosity and creativity of children and motivated by the love of those who care for them.

With the child’s voice at the centre, we provide quality services to children and their caregivers, advocating with them so that children develop, learn, and are connected, safe and confident. Our people are proudly local, reflective of the communities we serve – in every state and territory, and across regions, remote areas and capital cities.

Where you come in:

In these maximum term positions (through to June 2024) based in Melbourne, Adelaide or Darwin, you’ll work as part of the 24/7 national 1800RESPECT telephone counselling service, providing specialised trauma counselling services to those whose lives have been impacted by domestic and family, sexual assault, and/or workplace sexual harassment.

With the flexibility to work from home for most of the week, or in the office if preferred, you’ll report to a Team Leader. Hours for these roles are also flexible – we’re open to full time and part time depending on your preference (minimum 5 shifts per fortnight).

Shifts are negotiated across a 24/7 roster, based on the requirements of a national roster which is structured around demand for support, your preferences, and the preferences of other Counsellors.

You will make an impact by:

• Providing short term specialist therapeutic counselling support, psycho education, and referrals
• Establishing caller safety, building rapport and identifying best pathways for support
• Working within a new national framework based on knowledge of best practice principles
• At times, supporting the First Responder teams by answering calls and chats as required and providing information, referral and other support

Position Description – Specialist Counsellor 1800RESPECT

Does this sound like you?

You’re a passionate, qualified counsellor or social worker, with high levels of resilience and excellent self-care practices in place. You love the flexibility of working from home or the office, you have sound knowledge of best practices in domestic, family and sexual violence, and you thrive in a fast-paced, complex and often high pressure environment. Your strong interpersonal and communication skills help you develop and maintain effective working relationships at all levels, and you’re committed to socially and culturally inclusive practices.

This role requires:

• A tertiary qualification (of minimum 3 years duration) in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or relevant field
• Minimum 3 years counselling or case management experience, preferably including support for people impacted by DFV and SA (telephone counselling advantageous)
• Eligible for professional membership of ACA, PACFA, AASW or AHPRA
• Understanding of federal and state-based legislation including child protection legislation relevant to service delivery
• Strong IT skills to work across online phone systems
• Willingness to work shift-work on a 24/7 roster, including overnight (at least once per fortnight) and on weekends

Working at 54 reasons is more than just a job.

We are a learning organisation that invests in the development and wellbeing of our people. Our workforce is around 700 people strong, and proudly diverse, whether in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures and beliefs.

We are creative, connected and accountable, bringing energy, guts and ideas to all we do to champion children in Australia and partner with families, communities and partners to bring about change.

Our people work from both home and office, with important moments held in-person to foster belonging and support professional development. Our leave provisions include personal, ceremonial and family violence leave as well as the ability to purchase additional leave.

Other benefits include:

• Award rate salary (SCHADS Level 5.1) plus full salary packaging benefits
• Individual learning plans to assist in your career development
• EAP support and professional supervision
• Friendly and flexible work environment, including working from home (WFH)

Sound interesting?

We’d love to hear from you. Submit your cover letter and resume by clicking on one of the buttons in the ‘Apply’ section.

Your cover letter should include answers to the following screening questions:

1. Do you hold, or are you eligible to hold, professional membership with any of the following governing bodies? ACA, PACFA, AASW or AHPRA
2. Do you have a current positive Working with Children’s Check?
3. How many hours per fortnight are you seeking ideally?
4. Can you please describe your availability across a 24/7 roster? Please be specific about requirements, e.g. which days/times you are definitely not available, which days/times would you prefer. Click here for a list of our currently available shifts (please note that these do change, so even if you don’t see enough shifts that suit you, we may still be able to accommodate you).
5. Do you live in an area with a 4G network?

For more information on the 1800RESPECT program, see our Program Profile. For any queries, contact Monica Rogers at [email protected].

Applications close Tuesday 20th September 2022. Please note this is an ongoing rolling recruitment process with applications being reviewed as they come in, so don’t delay in applying!

54 reasons is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment for its employees and client groups, consistent with our obligations under OH&S legislation. Successful applicants are required to provide evidence of vaccination against COVID-19, or proof of medical exemption.

We have tested our application process with diverse groups in mind, with the intent to ensure it’s straightforward and accessible for all to apply. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our culture and improve our ability to reach our most vulnerable client groups. But we also know there is no one-size fits-all when it comes to recruitment – so if we didn’t quite hit the mark for you, please let us know! We’re dedicated to ensuring 54 reasons is a workplace suitable for all people and can modify our processes to suit you – no matter your race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, neurodiversity, culture and beliefs.

54 reasons is a child-safe organisation. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check where necessary, and sign our Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. We also support the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. You can read about the Scheme and our commitment to Safeguarding here.