Counsellor Advocate – Nguru Program
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
Level: MEA Award Grade 5.1 to 5.3 ($51.00 – $53.31 per hour)
Reports to: Nguru Manager
Applications close: 16 November 2025
Contact: Human Resources Manager Jana Turk –
Special conditions
- This is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander position under 42 (2) of the Discrimination Act 1991.
- Open to gender diverse Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
- Cultural supervision will be provided.
- Occasional attendance at sector meetings, some evening events will be required.
- Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act of 2011 legislation requires that the preferred applicant will be required to hold a current and valid Working with Vulnerable People card as proof of suitable employment screening and background checks.
Job Summary
The Counsellor Advocate will be experienced in providing counselling, information, referral, advocacy and support services to men, women, children, young people, and their supporters. The Counsellor Advocate will meet with Nguru/CRCC clients and provide them with face to face, confidential, trauma informed services that are people focused. The Counsellor Advocate will represent Nguru/CRCC in meetings, forums and events, such as community education activities particularly in areas such as trauma, therapeutic frameworks, clinical counselling and victim response.
Decision Making and Accountability
- Applies knowledge through qualifications or relevant previous experience to create positive outcomes for clients and determines the approach to individual counselling sessions within the Nguru/CRCC philosophy, values and frameworks.
- Sets priorities and monitors workflow in areas of responsibility.
- Is responsible for their own workload management within the role and the broader context of the organisation.
- Position works under general direction from senior employees and reports to a Program Coordinator.
All staff requirements
- Undertake a range of functions which require the application of high-level knowledge and skills to achieve results in line with organisational and team goals.
- Adhere to policies, procedures and established work practices.
- Exercise initiative and judgement.
- Demonstrate respect and work with diversity and difference in the workplace and in the community.
- Demonstrate self-awareness, resilience and commitment to personal development.
- Use positive interpersonal skills to gain the cooperation of clients, staff and other stakeholders.
- Monitor and interpret legislation, regulations and other documentation relevant to the role and organisation.
Key Performance Indicators
- Ensures client records are up to date.
- A majority of the employee’s clients report satisfactory progress with their therapeutic goals.li>
- Service provision data is collected, maintained and evaluated and used to improve service provision.
- Trends and issues identified from working with clients and external stakeholders are shared regularly with the management team to support Nguru/CRCC broader advocacy role.
- Education and training is planned, developed and facilitated with positive feedback.
Responsibilities and Tasks
Leadership
- Develop and maintain external networks/relationships and collaborate with staff in key agencies regarding joint client or organisational outcomes
- Represent Nguru/CRCC in meetings, forums and events as required including participation in Nguru/CRCC community education activities – particularly in areas such as trauma, therapeutic frameworks, clinical counselling and victim response
- Work on projects as required which includes undertaking planning, coordination, implementation and administration.
- Actively participate in Nguru/CRCC staff and team meetings.
- Maintain professional qualifications and receive supervision from clinical supervisors.
Crisis and Counselling Services
- Commence working within the crisis team, for initial on-boarding and training over a period of time as negotiated with your Supervisor.
- Provide crisis counselling, information, referral, advocacy and support services to women, children, young people, men and their supporters.
- Develop, coordinate and monitor case plans of Nguru/CRCC clients including attendance at case conferences as appropriate to the role.
- Attend crisis call outs to support people who have been sexually assaulted.
- Provide information, consultation and informal debriefing regarding issues related to client work.
- Support clients to navigate the criminal justice system and other legal or administrative systems.
Governance
- Write reports for external agencies, such as reports for the Family Court, Criminal Courts, Immigration, Housing, Centrelink and victim impact statements.
- Carry out other administrative and ad hoc tasks as directed.
Delegation
There are no financial or staff management responsibilities associated with this role.
Selection Criteria
- Articulate knowledge and understanding of the abuses and consequences of sexual violence, within a feminist framework.
- Previous experience in providing counselling, information, referral, advocacy, group work and support services to people who have experienced interpersonal violence.
- Work independently within a team environment, to identify priorities, meet deadlines and to manage the workload.
- Ability or experience in presenting and delivering training to professional organisations and clients.
- Ability or experience in forming relationships and partnerships with other professional organisations and in working with other organisations toward joint goals.
- Demonstrated ability to work positively in a team to promote and model collaborative and respectful staff and client relationships.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Computer literacy including use of Word, email and information databases.
- The right to work in Australia
Previous experience working in an advocacy or service delivery organisation
Current knowledge and experience of the ACT community services and women’s services in the ACT.
Qualifications
Tertiary qualifications (minimum Diploma) in social work, psychology or counselling or experience in relevant field is required
CRCC is an equal chance employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural background, veteran or disability status.
Employer Questions
- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
- How many years' experience do you have as a Counsellor Advocate?
- How many years' experience do you have in a training & development role?
- Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
- Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check?
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