Counsellor Advocate (Youth Outreach) Children, Youth and Families
Provide trauma-informed counselling to children and young people impacted by sexual assault/family violence, support caregivers, collaborate in a multidisciplinary team, and offer outreach to those at risk
* Classification – Health Professionals Grade 2
* Pay range – $77,585.66 to $88, pro rata of full-time equivalent)
* Hours of work – 60.8 hours per fortnight (0.8 EFT)
* Tenure – Fixed Term to 1 December 2026 (Parental Leave replacement)
About CASACV
CASACV is a leading agency in the prevention of sexual violence and the provision of specialist, evidence-based therapeutic services for children, young people and adults across the Loddon region. Services also extend to the support networks of those affected.
All services provided by CASACV are free and confidential, and include:
* Specialist counselling for adults, young people, and children who have experienced sexual assault and/or family violence – either recently or in the past – as well as for their non-offending parents, partners, families, and friends.
* 24-hour crisis care for recent sexual assault survivors, offering crisis response, support and advocacy.
* The REFOCUS Program, a family-centred, early intervention therapeutic service for children and young people under 18 who have engaged in problematic or harmful sexualised behaviours (HSB).
* Sector and community capacity-building through advocacy, secondary consultation, professional training, and community education.
At the heart of our work is feminism, which guides our commitment to gender equality and champions the rights of children, young people and adults to live free from sexual violence and harm as a fundamental human right.
About the Role
This role is responsible for providing specialised, trauma-informed counselling and support to children and young people who have experienced sexual assault and/or family violence, either recently or in the past. The role also involves providing support, guidance, and psychoeducation to non-offending parents, caregivers, and support networks to promote safety, healing, and recovery. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the role contributes to holistic, client-centred care through advocacy, case coordination, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
This role also has a component of outreach to young people who have an experience of sexual assault or are at risk of sexual exploitation.
The role of Counsellor Advocate – Youth Outreach – Children, Youth and Families is to:
* Provide trauma-informed therapeutic support to children, young people, and non-offending caregivers impacted by sexual assault and/or family violence
* Deliver evidence-based counselling and therapeutic interventions, including individual and group work, using developmentally appropriate and culturally safe approaches
* Conduct comprehensive client assessments, including risk and safety assessments, and develop, monitor, and review therapeutic plans with measurable goals
* Deliver specialised programs, including the Refocus Program for children and young people displaying problematic or harmful sexual behaviours
* Manage a clinical caseload, ensuring timely, high-quality service delivery and sustained client engagement
* Undertake assertive and flexible outreach to initiate and maintain contact with young people at risk of disengagement from services and the community
* Provide advocacy and systems navigation, supporting clients across services such as police, courts, child protection, health, and education
* Offer secondary consultation and professional advice to internal staff, partner agencies, and community organisations responding to sexual assault and family violence
* Build strong collaborative relationships with internal teams, co-located services, and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated, client-centred responses
* Maintain accurate documentation, reports, and data in line with organisational, legal, and ethical requirements
* Participate in supervision, professional development, and continuous improvement, contributing to service development, data collection, and a positive, inclusive workplace culture
About You
With a tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, counselling, family therapy or a related discipline and a minimum of one year of experience in providing therapeutic counselling to children, young people and their parents or caregivers, you will be able to demonstrate:
* Specialist knowledge of trauma, sexual assault, family violence, and mental health, including evidence-based therapeutic approaches
* Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive client assessments, including risk and safety assessments, and develop measurable treatment plans
* Proficiency in providing individual and group counselling and therapeutic interventions for children, young people, and families
* Experience delivering or facilitating therapeutic or educational group programs for children, young people, or caregivers
* Strong written communication skills, including high-quality case notes, reports, and professional correspondence
* Ability to provide secondary consultation and expert advice to other professionals in trauma, sexual assault, and therapeutic practice
* Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrating empathy, cultural safety, and the ability to build strong relationships
* Strong organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritise competing demands and work both collaboratively and independently
* Commitment to ethical practice, professional development, and contributing to service improvement, including mentoring or supporting students or early-career staff
Why work for CASACV?
CASACV is a values-driven organisation and employer of choice, committed to staff health, wellbeing, and professional growth. We offer:
* A positive, supportive, and family-friendly workplace
* Generous above-award pay and entitlements
* Up to $2,500 in relocation and accommodation support
* 5 weeks' annual leave
* Additional leave options including purchased leave, wellbeing leave, and cultural leave
* Ongoing training, education, and professional development opportunities
* Generous salary packaging up to $18,550 annually, with further options available
* Health and wellbeing initiatives, including free annual flu vaccinations
* Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
* Clinical supervision with experienced professionals focused on reflective practice and growth
* A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion – we actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.
How to Apply
For more information on this position and to receive a copy of the position description, please contact:
Emma Schneider
Team Leader Children, Youth and Families
Tel:
To apply, please send your application to and include your:
* CV
* A cover letter
* Response to the Key Selection Criteria
Please note applications without these components will not be considered
All positions are subject to a satisfactory Police Check, a valid Working with Children Check and confirmation of full Australian working rights.
Applications will remain open until we find the right candidate – someone who aligns with our values, shares our vision, and is a strong fit for our organisation.