Counsellor – full time or part time – Locals
Date Posted:
- August 7, 2024
Job Description:
The Mental Health & Wellbeing Locals is community-led and integrated through a partnership between us at Inspiro, Wellways, Eastern Health, and Oonah.
The focus of the Locals is on care and support for people who are experiencing mental health concerns – including people with co-occurring alcohol and drug treatment and care needs and their family, carers, and supporters.
We have ongoing full time and part time permanent roles available, based mainly at our Lilydale site with some outreach required.
The Counsellor will form part of the Towards Change Team, playing a vital role in the ongoing mental health reform initiatives in Victoria led by Wellways and its partners. As a member of a growing service system, this role is dedicated to placing the community at the forefront of the Yarra Ranges Mental Health and Wellbeing Local.
The Counsellor will utilise their specialised expertise in working with adults (aged 26 and over) experiencing mental health and/or additional challenges. Committed to enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of individuals accessing services at the Local, you will provide therapeutic counselling/psychotherapy and other support options for people experiencing a range of mental health issues, and where appropriate, their families, carers, and supporters.
Come and join our values-based, community organisation – being Friendly, Client Centred and Local are who we are and what we’re about.
About the role:
Our partnership with Wellways, Eastern Health, and Oonah is committed to the delivery of a range of mental health and addiction supports and interventions tailored to the unique needs of the Yarra Ranges community.
Our approach prioritises Lived/Living Experience, inclusivity and genuine partnership and participation, forming the foundations of our work. This innovative approach represents a transformative shift offering a remarkable opportunity to shape the future of mental health and wellbeing in Victoria.
Your commitment involves tailoring the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local Service to be attuned to the unique needs of the community, placing the community’s perspective at the core of every decision.
Position Responsibilities:
In the role you will:
- Work in partnership with individuals to conduct thorough psychosocial assessments, acknowledging their strengths, needs and experiences, utilising a trauma-informed approach.
- Provide counselling services at the preferred location of the participant, including office based, outreach and home-based support.
- Collaboratively develop individualised wellbeing plans with clients that reflect their goals and preferences in a way that promotes self-determination and empowerment.
- Implement a range of evidence-informed interventions such as ACT, DBT and mindfulness, tailored to the unique needs of each individual while respecting their personal choices.
- Provide practical tools and strategies to empower clients in managing symptoms, enhancing emotional regulation, and navigating challenges, with the aim of promoting self-efficacy and overall well-being.
- Work actively to embed consumer perspectives and lived experience into the model of care
- Facilitate open and respectful communication within families and relationships, cultivating healthy connections and addressing conflicts constructively.
- Work with individuals holistically and contextually, considering systems, institutions, families, cultures, communities, and ethnicity.
About You:
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of intricate mental health issues, recognising the challenges and significant impact they pose for individuals affected by them.
- Exceptional communication skills, encompassing proficiency in written, verbal, and interpersonal interactions.
- Familiarity with single-session and brief intervention models of support.
- Strong ability to convey warmth, openness, and concern for the wellbeing of participants.
- Ability to self-regulate and self-monitor own behaviours, practice self-reflection and a commitment to realistically assess your own personal strengths, limitations and biases.
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to contribute to service and team development and the promotion of the Local and its services.
- Capability to make informed decisions on reasonably complex issues, aligning with established policies and procedures, and adept at identifying and resolving problems or obstacles in collaboration with team members.
- In-depth knowledge of trauma-informed practice and practical experience in applying person-centred approaches to a diverse participant group including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTIQ+ and neurodivergence as well as intersectional issues as homelessness, family violence and physical health challenges.
Essential
You will also have:
- Tertiary qualification in psychology, social work, counselling, or related field.
- Membership, or eligibility for membership with appropriate professional body (PACFA, ACA, AASW, AHPRA)
- Experience working in mental health and/or AOD sectors.
- Proven experience in delivering counselling to vulnerable communities and/or individuals belonging to vulnerable groups, demonstrating sensitivity and empathy.
- Willingness to learn and utilise technology platforms relevant to the position.
- Basic skills in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems.
How to Apply:
Tell us why you’d like to work at Inspiro and what you can bring to this role.
Please send your updated resume and cover letter to our HR team at employment@inspiro.org.au. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We’re keen to recruit for this role ASAP – so we’ll shortlist as applications are received. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No agencies please.
We welcome Everyone. Inspiro is committed to an inclusive workforce and celebrates the value of difference and diversity. We encourage applications from people of all abilities and ages, First Nations people and people of all cultures. We also encourage people to apply who have a lived experience of mental health challenges so that our workforce can better connect with our community and drive collaborative and innovative healthcare improvements.
