Senior Counsellor - Helpline

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

As the senior counsellor, you will provide management, clinical supervision and support for a team of telephone counsellors in their role providing counselling for survivors of family and sexual violence (FSV) through the 1-Tok Kauselin Helpim Lain (Helpline). You will also provide telephone counselling when needed, assisting survivors of family and sexual violence through a crisis. You will play a key role in maintaining a friendly, motivated and professional working environment within the Helpline office.

KEY DUTIES

• Provide ongoing clinical leadership, supervision and support for all Telephone, Counsellors in their role providing telephone counselling, observing best practice, professional standards, legislation and confidentiality.
• Lead specific clinical supervision meetings (group and individual) for telephone counsellors fortnightly (or more frequently if needed), utilising standard supervision forms, file and follow up strategies.
• Monitor and support the psychosocial health and wellbeing of the counselling team and implement measures to avoid vicarious trauma.
• Ensure all counsellors understand and follow the Minimum Standard Guidelines for the 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain and report any breaches to the project manager.
• Monitor timely completion of intake forms from all counsellors.
• Provide telephone counselling to women, men and children who call the helpline including safety planning, referral, liaising with referral services etc.
• Provide clinical support or direct services at outreach locations as required.
• Attend meetings with the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC) and NCD FSVAC.
• In collaboration with the FSVAC; develop and maintain networks and professional relationships with referral partner organisations
• Ensure compliance with CF policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work or other relevant discipline.
• 5+ years’ experience in counselling.
• High level of experience in counselling and support for survivors of gender based violence and clinical supervision
• Experience in managing junior clinical staff.
• Proficiency in English and Tok Pisin is essential and some knowledge of local dialect like Motu would be an advantage.

DESIRABLE

• Experience in working with NGOs in cross-cultural setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high stress situations.
• Willingness to participate in extensive training program.
• Ability to work shifts which provides coverage for loveisrespect during operational hours 24/7 hours, 365 days per year including public holidays.

SKILLS

• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Excellent observation and listening skills
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and credibility
• Non-judgment outlook and willingness to work with all kinds of people
• Adaptable and flexible, driving and responding to change
• Understanding of GBV and development in country context and child-focused development programs

Remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding or sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment (SEAH) risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child safeguarding and PSEAH policy and procedures, and conduct yourself consistent with those policies.

Other Information: Appointment to this position is dependent upon successful completion of criminal background and reference checks.

You can view the full position description at www.childfund.org.au/work-with-us

Applications closing date: 10 November 2023