Qualifications, Skills and Experience

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Name: Counsellor
Program: Counselling Intervention Service
Reports To: Manager
Classification: Level 4 – 5.

Position Purpose

The purpose of the position is to provide a voluntary counselling service to children who have experienced trauma, disrupted attachment and are subject to child protection involvement. The role also incorporates providing support to the child’s care team by providing education on the impact of trauma and disrupted attachment on a child’s behaviour and emotional regulation. This role entails assessment, behavioural support, counselling, trauma informed practice and advocacy for children who are subject to Child Protection involvement. Counselling can be provided from the ages of four to eighteen years however if a young person is exiting the care system this counselling service provision can be extended up to the age of twenty-one.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

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

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

Possession of a current ‘C’ class license.
Required:-
A developed understanding of disrupted attachment, trauma and the impact that this can have on a child’s behaviour and wellbeing. Knowledge of an array of therapeutic and creative strategies to engage children during counselling sessions.
Knowledge of behavioural support strategies to empower the child’s care team to be able to best manage the child’s behaviour and emotional needs.
Highly developed written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare documents for reports and case reviews.
An ability to work culturally sensitive with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders children and families and other CALD families.
An understanding of the Queensland Child Protection System to be able to provide informed practice and work alongside statutory organisations.
Senior Responsibilities: -
A demonstrated capacity to manage a complex case load and provide mentoring and support to junior staff within the team.

POSITION DESCRIPTION –

Responsibilities and Duties / Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
Service Delivery
·  Build rapport with the child and care team whilst maintaining professional boundaries;
·  Assess the child’s therapeutic needs utilising the Outcomes Star assessment tool then develop an individualised therapy plan that is informed by consulting Child Safety, the Child, School, Carer/parent and through counsellors observations.
·  Assess the care team’s needs to be able to provide tailored educational support to be able to meet the child’s care needs and manage challenging/complex behaviors;
·  Provide consistent, evidenced based, best practice models of counselling to meet the therapy goals.
·  Ensure knowledge of the neuroscience of trauma is up to date and provide counselling in line with up to date research on children who have experienced complex trauma
·  Regularly review therapeutic progress within the program as per program instructions and ensure that Child Safety and key stakeholders are kept informed of progress.
·  Close cases in a predictable way as per program instructions depending on the circumstances.
·  Obtain regular feedback for ongoing service improvement. / ·  Successful working relationship that are built on trust but adheres to Centacare’s Code of Conduct for client engagement.
·  Successful completion of individualised therapeutic plans to meet the clients needs as per Service Agreement.
·  Care team provided with appropriate and effective interventions and strategies to achieve service targets.
·  Individualised plans to manage complex behaviors and manage safety concerns. To be in Compliance with Centacare’s safety procedures and service guidelines.
·  Counselling techniques used are best practice models with an evidence base and provide effective counselling to vulnerable children and young people.
·  Program progression is regularly reviewed at key intervals as per service agreement. Evidence of appropriate and timely liaison with stakeholders and care team.
·  Needs have been met as per the Service Agreement and work is completed as per program instructions.
·  Positive feedback received from external stakeholders and service users.
Communication and Documentation
·  To maintain timely, comprehensive, professional, up-to-date client records and ensure confidentiality at all times.
·  To prepare and maintain case files and statistical data on Csnet.
·  To prepare reports as required and maintain a working relationship with key stakeholders.
·  Working knowledge of computer and software including Word, Excel, CSNet. / ·  Completion of all client documentation in accordance with Centacare policy.
·  Accurate completion and timely submission of all reporting for Child Safety and for information for quarterly statistical reporting.
·  Appropriate language, knowledge and professionalism used when writing on behalf of program/agency.
·  Computer programs used correctly and reports and case notes completed in a timely manner.
Team Work
·  To establish and maintain high level, collaborative working relationships that contribute towards the achievement of organisational, program and service aims and objectives.
·  Attend staff meetings or read minutes if unable to attend.
·  Through staff meeting and other staff interaction share information, resources and training that may assist colleagues.
·  Attend Team Building activities as required.
·  To actively participate in regular line management and supervision and to participate in team and agency meetings. / ·  Constructive participation in team planning exercises and staff meetings.
·  Staff meetings attended/Minutes read.
·  Information effectively shared as appropriate.
·  Team Building activities attended.
·  Attended and actively engaged in line management and supervision.
Service Planning, Review and Development
·  Participate in program and service planning, review, monitoring and evaluation activities, to ensure efficient, effective and appropriate service provision.
·  Assist with the development of policies and procedures relevant to counselling, and participate in the development of organisational policies and procedures where required. / ·  Evidence of contribution to service development, planning, monitoring and evaluation.
·  Participation in the development, implementation and achievement of the services quality improvement activities.
·  Evidence of participation in the development of policies and procedures.
·  Completion of program planning and evaluation procedures as required.
Professional knowledge and skills
·  Participate in Staff Appraisal process.
·  Participate in professional development courses, research, workshops and forums.
·  Prepare for and participate in line management and supervision.
·  Maintain knowledge and understanding of the application of the legislation relevant to the program in state and federal legislation. / ·  Participated in Staff Appraisals.
·  Professional development opportunities identified, attended and incorporated into practice.
·  Attended and actively engaged in line management and supervision.
·  Demonstrated knowledge of and compliance with Statutory Legislation and Regulations.
·  Identify gaps in knowledge and seek opportunities for training and development.
OH & S
·  Maintain knowledge of and participate in relevant risk prevention.
·  Co-operate in achieving a safe and healthy workplace. / ·  Risks or hazards identified and reported to Manager and Human Resource Manager as they arise.
·  Maintain safe and healthy work place relationships.
·  Meet all OH&S policy and procedures.
Other Duties
·  Perform duties as requested in accordance with the scope of this position / ·  Other duties performed as required in a timely manner.

POSITION DESCRIPTION –

I understand and accept the obligations and authorities described herein

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