About Us

Youth Focus is a for-purpose organisation that creates brighter futures for young people in Western Australia by offering a range of no-cost mental health services. Established in 1994, Youth Focus delivers innovative and accessible mental health services and programs across Western Australia to help at-risk young people aged 12 to 25.

A key component of this is our role as the lead agency for a number of headspace centres, including the dynamic and successful headspace Geraldton located on Southern Yamatji Country.

The headspace mission is to collaborate to design and deliver innovative ways of working with young people to strengthen their mental health and wellbeing. headspace Geraldton is part of a national network of over 100 headspace centres operating across Australia with the vision of all young Australians being supported to be mentally healthy and engaged in their communities.

We are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Youth Counsellor to join our headspace Geraldton team.

• Fixed-term contract until December 2024
• Full-time position
• ASAP start 

About the Role

The Youth Counsellor will provide a mix of office and school-based prevention and early-intervention services in the Geraldton area. Further responsibilities include: 

• Work under the direction of the Clinical Lead to provide youth friendly mental health services within the headspace Geraldton.
• Provide ongoing evidence-based counselling interventions to young people and their families.
• Conduct initial screening assessments with young people and their families in order to provide an immediate response of either external or internal referral.
• Provide psycho-social assessment using the agreed headspace Geraldton tool, to determine client suitability for ongoing headspace Geraldton.
• Deliver evidence-based brief interventions, including group interventions and problem solving, with young people and their families.
• Provide specialist youth mental health support to consortium partners and co-located services.
• Develop case formula and care plans.
• Provide case co-ordination to ensure smooth referral transition.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes and records in approved database system.
• Participate in regular clinical case review meetings and multi-disciplinary team. meetings to ensure appropriate clinical service pathway and service delivery.

About You

To be considered for this position, applicants will have:

• Tertiary level qualification in Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, or Mental Health Nursing.
• Registration with relevant professional body – e.g., AHPRA, AASW, ACA. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills with experience working with young people at risk of suicide, depression, anxiety and/or self-harm, and an understanding of the issues that affect young people’s lives.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in conducting risk assessments, including assessment of suicide risk, developing safety plans to mitigate risks, and providing follow up support and referral for treatment as indicated.
• Experience and ability to deliver and evaluate group programs and educational sessions for young people.
• Significant knowledge, skills, and experience in the application of evidence based clinical practices and processes appropriate to working with young people and families experiencing complex mental health issues.
• Ability to work with flexibility in responding to young people and their needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Current Driver’s Licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Flexibility to work one late shift a week.

To successfully become part of our team, it is just as important to align with our values as it is to meet our selection criteria. Our values are part of who we are and are demonstrated in the way we work every day. 

What we offer

• Youth Focus is a DCA recognised Inclusive Employer!
• Competitive salary offerings with the ability to salary sacrifice
• Access to professional development opportunities
• Additional annual leave, and other leave offerings
• Generous paid parental and partner leave Free parking

Applications

Please send through your CV and Cover Letter that addresses the above mentioned selection criteria detailed under the section “About You”.

        Closing date for applications: 9:00am, Monday 8 December 2023

Please note

• Appointment to the role is subject to the successful candidate providing a clear National Police Check and Working with Children Check card
• Shortlisting will commence immediately, and the role may close earlier than the date mentioned above if we find a suitable candidate
• Due to the high volume of applications received for our advertised positions, only those applicants who are short-listed will be contacted. To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering Youth Focus as a potential employer
• For further information or a confidential discussion about the position please contact Human Resources on 08 6266 4333. 

Youth Focus is committed to ensuring every individual that interacts with us feels safe and is able to bring their whole selves, being welcomed with equity, dignity and respect. In doing so, we understand that we must first include, listen, and reflect in order to build trust, connect, and partner. We celebrate individuality and are guided by the stories and journeys of the communities in which we live and work. Everyone is welcome at Youth Focus.