Applications are sought for a Sexual Assault Intake (First Response) Counsellor with Laurel Place Inc.
* 2 year fixed term contract; 4 days per week (30.4 hours).
* This position will be based at our Maroochydore Office (Moreton or Gympie office may also be considered).
* SCHADS award - Level 5 + Superannuation + Salary Sacrifice
* Applications close: 5pm Monday 21st April 2025.
The primary purpose of this position is to gather initial intake information and provide information, support and referrals, where indicated, for all people contacting or referred to Laurel Place. This position is also responsible for assessing timeliness of response for counselling and support services across all 4 office locations.
Development and maintenance of collaborative working relationships with other key stakeholders is a key component of this role.
The First Response Counsellor will work under the direction of the First Response Team Leader and work closely with the Team Leaders across all office locations to ensure that clients of the service receive a timely response in accordance with best practice principles, relevant local practices in responding to sexual violence, and the client's needs. At times, this role will also work closely with relevant Team Leaders to provide ongoing counselling support across teams where required, with overall clinical coordination provided by the Director of Counselling Services.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
* Provide a centrally located first response to clients phoning the service across all service locations, in a professional and trauma informed manner.
* Assess client needs via telephone, referral information, and initial intake sessions.
* Provide initial face to face and phone assessments/screeners for clients accessing the service and work with the First Response Team Leader and other Team Leaders regarding priority allocations.
* Provide a range of short-term trauma informed, developmentally sensitive, and culturally safe therapeutic interventions to women, men, children and young people (and their non-offending family members/supporters) who have experienced sexual violence.
* Provide ongoing therapeutic support to clients across programs and locations where required and resources allow.
* Ensure the timely collection of statistical data is accurate and relevant and report same to the First Response Team Leader and/or Team Leaders.
* Liaise with community and sector networks and develop appropriate collaborative partnerships with relevant services and agencies.
* Liaise with statutory bodies and other relevant services regarding new referrals and case planning, and monitor safety and implement safety plans concerns accordingly;
* Operate in compliance with all relevant ethical standards and legal regulations governing the provision of support services to survivors of sexual assault. This includes maintaining professional boundaries, respecting survivors' autonomy, and adhering to mandatory reporting requirements when necessary.
All Service Staff Duties:
* Work within and towards the organisational vision, mission, and values;
* Ensure the maintenance of client confidentiality including keeping confidential client records;
* Participate in annual staff appraisals/assessments;
* Participate in ongoing professional development and training;
* Participate in annual and other planning sessions to develop a strategic response to sexual violence;
* Contribute to overall tidiness and cleanliness of shared office spaces;
* Support a culture of transparency and accountability within the service, and contribute to a positive, collaborative, and supportive workplace culture and environment; and,
* Perform any other reasonable tasks at the request of the leadership team.
Organisational Environment:
Laurel Place Inc. is funded by The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services, & Child Safety. Laurel Place is governed by a Board drawn from the local community. The service employs approximately fifty staff across four programs and four locations in Maroochydore, Gympie, Murgon as well as Moreton Bay
The service provides a range of options to women, men, children, young people, families and the community that work towards reducing the impact and incidence of sexual violence in the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, South Burnett, and Moreton Bay Regions. Laurel Place also operates Women's Space from the Maroochydore location which provides support to women who have experienced all forms of gendered violence.
The service also focuses on providing education, information and resources to the target groups and wider community.
Selection Criteria: (required)
1. Minimum of a four-year degree in social work or psychology and experience in the field of sexual violence or similar.
2. Demonstrated understanding of the gendered nature of sexual violence and its impact at both an individual and societal level.
3. Demonstrated experience providing trauma informed, developmentally sensitive and culturally safe interventions to adults, children, young people and their non-offending family members, supporters and carers.
4. Well-developed skills in providing intake and assessments relevant to women, men and young people who have been affected by sexual violence, including the ability to prioritise clients based on need and provide risk assessments as required.
5. Demonstrated capacity to provide sensitive and appropriate therapeutic interventions to people from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, and gender diverse people
6. Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team environment and effectively manage consistent exposure to traumatic and complex information.
7. Demonstrate an ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment, where timely responses and supportive interventions are critical.
Essential:
* Must possess (or be eligible for) a working with children check – Positive Notice Blue Card
* Current Open Qld Driver's Licence
* Eligibility to work in Australia
If you feel you are the right person for this positions and would like to work in a supportive environment, please forward your application to by 5pm Monday 21st April 2025.
All applications are to consist of CV, cover letter and addressed selection criteria for progression to shortlisting.