Applications are sought for Counsellors in Laurel Place’s sexual assault adult counselling program.  There are two positions available, both two days per week.

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1. Sexual Assault Counsellor – 2 days per week (ongoing)
2. Sexual Assault Counsellor (Forensic DNA Victim Support) - 2 days per week 1-year fixed-term contract (maternity leave position)

* Positions can be worked separately or as a 4-day per work role for the first year, reducing to 2 days per week upon cessation of maternity leave contract.

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• Gympie Office

• Salary Sacrifice available

• Applications close 9am Monday 3rd of March 2025

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Laurel Place’s sexual assault adult counselling program aims to address the impact of sexual assault on individuals, aged 12 years and over, and their non-offending supporters across the Gympie region through a range of both in-person and remote (e.g., telephone, video conference) trauma-informed therapeutic interventions.

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There are two positions available, both two days per week. One position is a fixed-term contract of one year, with the primary purpose to prioritise victims impacted by the Commissions of Inquiry into Forensic DNA and will include self-referrals as well as referrals from QPS and DV Connect.  The other position is a permanent part-time role (subject to ongoing funding) and is also 2 days per week. Applications will be accepted for either position separately or as a combined role. 
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Organisational Environment:

Laurel Place Inc. is funded by The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services, and Child Safety. Laurel place is governed by a Board drawn from the local community. The service employs approximately 50 staff across four programs and four locations in Maroochydore, Gympie, Murgon as well as Moreton Bay.

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The service provides a range of options to women, men, children, young people, families and the community that work towards reducing the impact and incidence of sexual violence in the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, South Burnett, and Moreton Bay Regions. Laurel Place also operates Women’s Space from the Maroochydore location which provides support to women who have experienced all forms of gendered violence.

 

The service also focuses on providing education, information and resources to the target groups and wider community.
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Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide specialised, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive therapeutic counselling and support to women and men, aged 12 years and older, who have experienced recent or historical sexual assault (prioritising clients who have been impacted by the Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA for this specific role).

• Complete comprehensive, trauma informed initial assessments to clients aged 12 years and over, in person, remotely (via telephone and video) and outreach including risk assessments (sexual assault, child safety, DFV and suicide).   

• Provide outreach support to clients making statements to the Queensland Police Service, including court support for cases going to trial.  

• Support clients to access relevant medical and forensic services, providing practical support as required. 

• Provide brief intervention and support to non-offending supporters of people who have experienced recent sexual assault. 

• Work collaboratively with community, sector partners, and other relevant stakeholders, including Queensland Police Service, to improve outcomes for survivors of sexual violence. 

• Ensure the collection of statistical data is accurate and relevant and report same to the Team Leader.

• Participate in training, case planning/review and regular supervision.

• Work collaboratively with other members of the Laurel Place Team including the First Response, Children’s and Adult Teams to help foster and support a positive organisational culture and achieve improved outcome for clients.  

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All Service Staff Duties:

• Work within and towards the organisational vision, mission, and values 

• Ensure the maintenance of client confidentiality including keeping confidential client records; and,

• Participate in annual staff appraisals/assessments;

• Participate in ongoing professional development and training;

• Participate in annual and other planning sessions to develop a strategic response to Domestic, Family and Gender based violence;

• Support a culture of transparency and accountability within the service,  and contribute to a positive, collaborative, and supportive workplace culture and environment; 

• Contribute to overall tidiness and cleanliness of shared office spaces; and,

• Perform any other reasonable tasks at the request of the leadership team. 

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Selection Criteria:

Required:

1. Minimum four-year tertiary degree in social work, psychology or similar. Highly desirable - at least 2 years’ experience in the field of sexual violence, or related field.

2. Demonstrated understanding of the gendered nature of sexual violence and its impact at both an individual and societal level.

3. Demonstrated experience providing trauma informed, developmentally sensitive and culturally safe therapeutic interventions and counselling to survivors over the age of 12 and their non-offending family members, supporters and carers.

4. Demonstrated knowledge (or capacity to rapidly acquire knowledge) of forensic, reporting, and legal processes associated with sexual violence offences.

5. Well-developed skills in risk assessment (sexual assault, child protection, DFV and mental health) and crisis intervention.

6. Demonstrated capacity to provide sensitive and appropriate therapeutic interventions to people from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, and gender diverse people. 

7. Demonstrated experience and ability to establish collaborative relationships with key stakeholders to ensure best outcomes for clients.

8. Highly developed inter-personal and written communication skills.

9. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Desirable/Able to Develop:
•    Demonstrated ability to develop and co-facilitate a range of therapeutic and educational group programs including community education.
 

Essential:

• Must possess (or be eligible for) a working with children check – Positive Notice Blue Card

• Current Open Qld Driver’s Licence

• Eligibility to work in Australia

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If you feel you are the right person for this position and to would like to work within an organisation that values their staff,  please forward your completed application (CV, Cover Letter and Addressed Selection Criteria) to:  admin@laurelplace.com.au  

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Applications close 9am Monday 3rd March 2025.