WHO WE ARE
Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) exists to serve our community. Our Elders describe our purpose as:
* Employed by our Community, to work for our Community—engaging, educating, and empowering individuals, families, and our Community in their journey to self-determination.
* MDAS is committed to becoming a leading Aboriginal organisation known for making a practical difference to clients' lives, families, and our Community.
* This commitment is underpinned by our LORE, the foundation of who we are, what we do, and why we do it.
* Our services, people, and culture are guided by strong leadership and engagement with community and MDAS teams.
OUR PURPOSE
* Healing, supporting, serving, and protecting our communities throughout the Mallee Region.
* Building healthy, resilient, and capable Aboriginal people and families who can be their best selves and exercise true self-determination.
* Caring for, strengthening, empowering, motivating, and guiding our Mob.
About the role- Therapeutic Counsellor
The Therapeutic Counsellor within the Aboriginal Psychological Treatment Service (APTS) will provide culturally informed mental health interventions at the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Hub and within the community. The role works as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive, culturally appropriate, and safe mental health care.
Key priorities aim to improve access for Aboriginal people and their families by:
* Providing respectful and informed mental health interventions that allow clients flexibility to re‑engage at any time.
* Assertive follow‑up.
* Outreach approaches that allow clients to choose their preferred environment (convenient, comfortable, culturally safe) for therapeutic services.
* Drawing on community acceptance, strong cultural knowledge, interpersonal and advocacy skills, service system knowledge, networks, and clinical/care‑coordination capability.
This is a part‑time opportunity on a fixed term until mid‑August with exciting potential for extension
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Case Management
* Develop trust and confidence through culturally attuned assessments that include deep listening, respect for the client's story, and trauma‑informed practice.
* Work collaboratively with SEWB team members and MDAS programs to support client wellbeing and recovery.
* Advocate on behalf of clients with community agencies and support them to navigate service systems.
* Provide assertive follow‑up to ensure clients remain supported without overriding their wishes.
Aboriginal Counselling 'Yarning'
* Apply strong understanding of Aboriginal mental health concepts, especially the importance of connections to culture, community, family, Country, kinship, and spirituality.
* Recognise the impacts of trauma and intergenerational trauma on individuals and communities.
* Provide counselling 'Yarning' to individuals, families and community members using empathy, reflective listening, questioning, summarising, and non‑judgmental approaches.
* Support clients dealing with grief, loss, trauma, and self‑harm in a culturally appropriate manner.
Relationship Management
* Foster and maintain relationships with external agencies to support positive client outcomes.
* Participate in relevant forums, meetings and training to ensure best‑practice models are embedded within MDAS.
* Collaborate internally to ensure streamlined intake, assessment and referral processes.
* Promote client self‑management through education and empowerment.
* Provide secondary consultations to internal and external professionals.
Planning, Reporting and Compliance
* Collect relevant data, monitor KPIs, and submit monthly reports demonstrating progress against SEWB outcomes.
* Participate in program evaluations with funding and accreditation bodies.
* Actively engage in formal supervision.
* Escalate concerns that may pose unacceptable risk to clients or families.
* Maintain accurate and compliant documentation and records.
Corporate Responsibilities
* Support values that respect historical and contemporary Aboriginal cultures and recognise the special connection Aboriginal people have with the State.
* Comply with all Quality Risk, OHS laws, policies, safe work practices, and contribute to improvement activities.
* Monitor and improve the quality and safety of care and services.
* Participate in internal and external audit processes.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Service Excellence
* Experience delivering mental health assessments, case formulation (including risk assessment), and referral using a stepped‑care approach.
* Ability to role‑model holistic client care.
* Ability to work efficiently, maintain service quality, and remain client‑focused.
* Ability to build strong and trusting client relationships.
Community Engagement / Consultation
* Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal society, culture, and community issues.
* Ability to identify community needs, negotiate appropriately, and implement effective solutions.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
Case Management
* Demonstrated skills in counselling (individual and group) informed by Aboriginal perspectives of health and wellbeing.
* Ability to liaise with staff and external agencies for client care, referrals, and follow‑up.
* Experience with assertive outreach approaches grounded in Aboriginal health concepts.
* Ability to provide client‑driven support across short‑, medium‑ and long‑term interventions.
Problem Solving
* Ability to work autonomously with strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capability.
* Strong organisational skills to meet deadlines while maintaining service quality.
Respect Cultural Diversity
* Commitment to delivering services that are inclusive of Aboriginal people and willingness to learn about other cultures to improve relationships and service effectiveness.
MDAS FIVE KEY CAPABILITIES
(Added after Key Selection Criteria as requested)
1. Cultural Responsiveness
Demonstrates respect, understanding and integration of Aboriginal cultural values, practices and knowledge into all aspects of work.
2. Collaboration & Partnership
Works effectively with community, colleagues, and external agencies to support positive outcomes for Aboriginal people.
3. Client‑Centred Care
Delivers compassionate, trauma‑informed, flexible and responsive services grounded in client needs and preferences.
4. Accountability & Integrity
Acts ethically, maintains professional standards, and demonstrates responsibility in service delivery, documentation and decision‑making.
5. Continuous Improvement
Engages in ongoing learning, reflection and quality improvement to enhance client care and organisational performance.
QUALIFICATIONS
* Certificate IV in Mental Health (mandatory).
OTHER SCREENING REQUIREMENTS
* Current Driver's Licence
* Current Employee Working with Children Check (Victoria).
* Current National Police Check
MDAS is a child-safe organisation committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children. Employment is subject to satisfactory police and Working with Children checks.