POSITION TITLE:Counsellor/Senior Counsellor

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:Counsellor/Senior Counsellor

REPORTS TO:Team Leader

AUTHORISED BY:...... DATE:......

PURPOSE

This position provides counselling using a range of strategies through the programs/services offered by Centacare. In addition the senior counsellor role makes a significant contribution to the program management and leadership through support and guidance of staff and involvement in complex case matters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide counselling to families/children/ individuals using approaches that are flexible and appropriate to the program requirements.
Contribute to the planning and provision of community education and support as per program requirements.
Conduct assessments of clients and make appropriate referrals as necessary.
Maintain appropriate files, records and complete other required documentation within agency guidelines.
Participate in internal and external meetings
Represent and promote Centacare in the wider community by engaging in and developing strong networks and partnerships.
Actively participate in the process of professional supervision.
Contribute towards organisational culture of continuous improvement.
Other duties as directed by the line manager.

Additional responsibilities for Provisional Psychologists

Consider ethical, legal and professional issues in all areas of psychological practice
Conduct systematic psychological assessments (including observation, interview andpsychological testing) and apply this knowledge to problem formulation.
Write psychological reports.
Ensure interventions are informed by psychological theory of individual and systemic change and evidence based practice.
Effectively communicate, in written and oral format, from a psychological perspective ina style appropriate to a variety of audiences, and interact professionally with a widerange of client groups and other professionals.

Additional responsibilities for Senior Counsellor

Provide support and guidance and leadership to program staff as necessary and in conjunction with the line manager.
Undertake counselling to program clients in cases which may be complex and require ahigher level of experience and expertise.
Complete statistical and or reporting requirements when the line manager is away for short and or unplanned periods.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Counselling conducted in accordance with program requirements
Client files complete and accurate as per Centacare standards.
Client assessments conducted and appropriate referrals made
Participation in community education and promotion activities
Participation in meetings as determined by the line manager.
Client satisfaction with service provided by Counsellor.
Participation in supervision and professional development.

Additional key performance indicators for Provisional Psychologists

8. Practice is guided by professional ethics and standards of practice.

9. Informed, succinct and valid psychological reports written.

10. Interventions are based on formulation of presenting problem and promote, restore,

sustain or enhance client function.

11. Written and oral communication is appropriate.

Additional key performance indicators for Senior Counsellors

12. Program reports completed as required.

13. Counselling for complex cases conducted in accordance with program requirements.

14. Staff satisfaction with leadership and level of support provided.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Mandatory Selection Criteria

MSC1:Possession of a relevant degree in Social Work, Psychology or Behavioural sciences and eligibility for membership of a relevant professional association.

MSC2:Ability to possess a Positive Notice for Child Related Employment (Blue Card and a yellow card exemption) fromthe Public Safety Business Agency (PSBA).

MSC3:Possession of a current ‘C’ class licence.

Key Selection Criteria

KSC1:Demonstrated ability to utilise different theoretical frameworks, counselling approaches and experience relevant to interventions with some of the following:

Families and relationships – including separation
Individual issues including domestic violence, suicide, substance misuse, gambling, depression and anxiety
Family functioning/dynamics
Culturally diverse groups
Child and young people
Child and Families where harm/abuse has occurred to a child

KSC2:Understanding of and the ability to articulate, social issues that may impact on individuals, families, and young people and in particular those social issues that directly impact on the indigenous community.

KSC3:Highly developed communication skills both written and verbal and in particular skills necessary for working with culturally diverse groups.

KSC4:Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team to fulfil the program and organisational goals.

KSC5:Experience or ability to acquire skills in community education or group work.

Additional selection criteria for Senior Counsellor

KSC6:An additional 3 years experience in counselling specifically within the target population of the specific program.

KSC7:Experience in providing leadership or support within a Team to colleagues in relation to case work matters.

POSITION TITLE:COUNSELLOR /SENIOR COUNSELLOR

This position has been accurately described, is current and has been explained by:

...... Date:……../………./………..

Signature (Centacare Representative)

Print Name: ……………………………………………………………..

This position description is accepted with the full understanding of my obligations and authorities and I accept the responsibilities described herein:

...... Date:……../………./………..

Signature (Employee)

Print Name: ………………………………………………………………

Distribution:☐Signed original for employee personnel file☐Copy to employee