Position: SEWB CounsellorLocation: Derby, Western Australia Employment Type: Full TimeRemuneration: $104,556 - $107,495 per annum pro rata + superannuation + salary sacrifice + RELOCATION!About the Organisation:Derby Aboriginal Health Service (DAHS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) providing holistic primary health care services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Derby and surrounding communities. DAHS provide a wide range of innovative public health programs in addition to direct comprehensive primary health care services. About the Position:The Counsellor is responsible for providing support in the delivery of Social and Emotional Wellbeing care to clients. The Counsellor forms part of the SEWB Multi-Disciplinary team and works collaboratively with the clinic services staff. This includes providing counselling and Social and Emotional Wellbeing support services to assist people to deal with a wide range of issues including grief and loss, depression, domestic and family violence, family and/or relationship matters and any other issues which impact on Social and Emotional Wellbeing. The Counsellor is essential in promoting a client centred, trauma-informed approach to the delivery of services and a collaborative working culture to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. This position has been created as part of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Model of Service Pilot to deliver optimal, culturally appropriate SEWB outcomes for Aboriginal people, their families, carers and communities in a more responsive and appropriate way. This position works as part of a wider team encompassing a Clinical Lead, Cultural Lead (50(d)), Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Worker (50(d), Male/Female), Counsellor (Male/Female) and Care Coordinator/Administrator. The program aims to establish and continually run prevention and SEWB activities. The pilot program aims to improve Aboriginal people’s uptake of Aboriginal community-controlled health, SEWB support and specialist services.Key Responsibilities for this position are:The scope of this position will include, but is not limited to:
interventions include: - Detailed psychosocial assessment identifying the connections between mental health problems and complex social contexts - Assessment of the mental illness and its impact on the life of individuals and their families - Working with individuals, families, groups and communities to find solutions to mental health problems.
Provide individual and family social and emotional wellbeing counselling services as well as group interventions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, ensuring clients are treated respectfully, with their needs identified and managed in a professional and culturally sensitive manner
Provide individual and family counselling specifically in regard to issues of grief, loss and trauma or any other issues impacting on their wellbeing
Work collaboratively with the SEWB Worker to ensure continuity of care under their case management plans.
Participate in the planning, development, implementation and promotion of services which enhance the coping capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Islander families and individuals and ensure that services are delivered in a culturally safe manner.
In crisis situations or as otherwise required, undertake home visits and outreach counselling at other locations when appropriate.
Participate in agreed stakeholder and interagency meetings to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to client care including client allocation, reviews and service development.
Work collaboratively with the SEWB Worker and Cultural Lead to provide access to interpreting services or other support as required.
Promotion of SEWB Services
Demonstrate a pro-active, confident approach to promoting SEWB services to community groups, other agencies, conferences and deliver presentations when required
Promote and present a positive image of SEWB program to other staff, clients and the community in general.
In consultation with the Cultural Lead and SEWB Worker, participate in healing activities for clients that strengthen cultural identities, individual capacity and community connections.
Actively participating in community and promotional events which support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Ensure client and program data are routinely captured and reported in line with reporting requirements and funding guidelines, maintaining accurate client records, case notes and other data.
About YouTo be considered for this position, you must address the selection criteria with the application:Essential:
The teams involved in the delivery of the Pilot must understand the Western Australian Aboriginal community, and the interrelated factors affecting SEWB, and will be suitability qualified.
Demonstrated ability to uphold the principles of cultural safety including an ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Knowledge of evidence based and culturally appropriate approaches to mental health, SEWB and AOD issues within Aboriginal communities.
A minimum of a Diploma in a recognised qualification in Counselling, Mental Health or a related field.
Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of social and emotional wellbeing issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Understanding of Aboriginal Community Control in the context of health care.
Demonstrated experience providing culturally secure, trauma-informed counselling.
Demonstrated individual and group counselling skills with experience and knowledge of social, emotional and mental health issues which may include culturally appropriate healing methods, and trauma and grief counselling skills.
Experience in managing clinical caseload of clients with high and complex needs.
Highly developed interpersonal skills including negotiation and consultation skills and the ability to proactively establish and sustain effective stakeholder relationships
Proven ability to solve problems by analysing issues, identifying options and selecting the most appropriate solution.
Experience or willingness to undertake training in group work and other healing activities.
Effective organisational and time management skills including the ability to manage competing priorities.
Proven well developed written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Experience in creating and maintaining accurate and up to date case notes.
WA Working with Children Check
(C Class) Western Australian Drivers Licence
National Police Clearance
Ability and willingness to work outside normal business hours.
Desirable:
The person identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and is acknowledged as such by their community.
Diploma in Narrative Therapy
Fully Covid-19 Vaccinated
Experience in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and/or communities
About the Benefits:While you will face diverse new challenges in the role, you will also enjoy an attractive remuneration package including a base salary of $104,556 - $107,495 per annum pro rata plus superannuation. You'll also gain access to generous salary packaging options, which will greatly increase your take home pay. In addition, you will have access to a number of fantastic benefits including:
Annual Airfare Derby-Perth-Derby return after 12 months of continuous employment to the value of $1,683
Relocation Reimbursement up to $5000
Accommodation allowance of $7,800 towards rent expenses
5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% Leave loading
Salary packaging gross up amount of $30,000 optional
Employee Assistance Program
Study Leave
Join us at Derby Aboriginal Health Services in making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our community. Apply now to be part of our dedicated team!Written applications must address all selection criteria. For further information about this position please contact Hayley in Human Resources on (08) 9158 4200 or email human.resources@dahs.org.au