Job Title: Specialist DFSV Counsellor
About the Role
The Specialist DFSV Counsellor is responsible for delivering the Healing Inside program, an evidence-informed, trauma responsive Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) program delivered mostly within a prison environment for women.
The role provides individual counselling, group education and safety planning for women affected by DFSV, with a focus on healing and empowerment. This position works collaboratively with correctional services, internal stakeholders and community organisations to support continuity of care, safety, and culturally responsive practice.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver the Healing Inside DFSV Program: Use trauma-informed, culturally safe and strengths-based approaches to deliver the program within a prison environment.
* One-on-One Counselling: Provide individualised counselling to incarcerated women who have experienced or used domestic and family violence.
* Group Sessions: Facilitate group sessions focusing on education, healing, self-reflection and emotional wellbeing.
* Risk Assessments and Safety Planning: Conduct risk and needs assessments and develop individual safety and support plans.
* Client Records and Reporting: Maintain accurate and confidential client records, case notes and reports in line with organisational policy and legal requirements.
* Referrals and Collaboration: Make referrals to internal prison services, external DFSV services, and post-release supports to enhance reintegration and safety. Collaborate closely with correctional staff, parole officers and health service providers to support coordination and client care.
* Program Evaluation: Contribute to data collection and program evaluation to support reporting and funding compliance.
* Cultural Safety: Promote and uphold the principles of cultural safety, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and work inclusively with women from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Requirements
* Tertiary Qualification: Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or a related field and eligibility for membership with a relevant professional body.
* Experience: Demonstrated experience delivering therapeutic services to women affected by domestic and family violence, including risk assessment and safety planning.
* Skills: Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, intersectionality, and the impacts of DFSV on women in contact with the justice system. High-level written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and case note documentation.
* Certifications: A satisfactory Northern Territory working with children check (Ochre Card), a valid NT Driver's License, and a satisfactory national criminal history check are required.
We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities and cultures – including Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, CALD, the LGBTQI+ community and people living with disability. We are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support your accessibility needs.