• Are you an experienced Social Worker, Psychologist, Counsellor or similar looking for the chance to join a passionate NFP organisation?
• Provide direct counselling services to women impacted by domestic/family violence
• Competitive remuneration package plus up to $15,999 salary sacrificing, with ongoing training/professional development opportunities 

About the Organisation 

Established in 2006, Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS) provides services and programs to Aboriginal people and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing family violence. Currently, BWAHS is one of 4 Aboriginal specific state-funded healing services in Victoria. 

BWAHS has skilled, qualified staff and comprehensive experience with the culturally safe delivery of child, youth and family services for Aboriginal people. They provide family violence risk assessment, safety planning, case coordination and support, including referrals to the Risk Assessment Management Panel. They have developed an excellent record for providing high-quality family violence and trauma-informed Intensive Case Management, Integrated Family Services responses and evidence-based therapeutic programs to individuals and groups for a whole of family approach.

Boorndawan Willam derives from the Wathaurong and Woiwurrung languages. Boorndawan (Wathaurong), meaning 'safe' and Willam (Woiwurrung), meaning 'house', combine to create a 'safe house'. The healing service acknowledges the use of these words in the development of the organisation's name. 

About the Opportunity

BWAHS is currently seeking a Women's Counsellor to join their Family Violence Therapeutic Program team, based at their new Croydon, Melbourne office.

Reporting to the Practice and Development Manager, provide individual counselling and family therapeutic counselling sessions for women impacted by family violence and intergenerational trauma.

Core duties: 

• Undertake intake and assessment 
• Deliver individual and family therapeutic counselling sessions
• Identify family violence risks and strategies to support safety and the healing journey
• Collaborate and consult with ACF and BWAHS practitioners to reduce identified barriers and support clients to attend therapeutic groups and programs.
• Identify opportunities to support a strong positive connection between participants and their families, culture, Country and Community to promote healing and recovery. 
• Coordinate therapeutic services for women in the program, liaising with existing support services and regularly discussing individual plans with the women and the care team.
• Support the development of and facilitation of structured group and family sessions where appropriate for women, children and families/carers

To view the position description for this role, please click here. 

Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

About You

To succeed in this role, you will have a tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, family therapy, or similar. You will also have demonstrated experience in the family violence sector or related areas.

You will need a clear understanding of the history of intergenerational trauma, including the issues underpinning family violence and therapeutic interventions in an Aboriginal cultural context.

You will be an approachable and empathetic communicator capable of adapting your approach to each individual. You will be able to engage women and families of varying ages, stages, and situations with complex needs. 

You will be able to work both autonomously and as part of a diverse, driven team. Confident creating and maintaining solid relationships with other service providers or relevant organisations, you will support positive connection between participants and their families, culture, Country and Community, promoting healing and recovery.

Finally, you will need to demonstrate a practical understanding of the legislative, policy, and practice requirements of Aboriginal children, families, and communities impacted by family violence. You will also be able to work within these requirements and use a range of basic computer programs.

Please note: You will need to hold or be willing to obtain a current National Police Check and Working with Children Check. You will also need a current Driver's License.

About the Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable women, children, and families and ultimately eliminating the impacts of trauma and abuse in the community. You will finish each day knowing that you have made a genuine, positive difference to the women within the program.

Receive an attractive remuneration package in line with your skills and experience, plus super and salary packaging up to $15,999.

As a growing organisation, BWAHS offers excellent job security and is committed to investing in their staff, with ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Finally, you'll also benefit from a fantastic work/life balance, with part-time hours and the potential for flexible work arrangements, negotiable depending on your needs.

This is a rare opportunity to support vulnerable women and make a real, positive difference in their lives and the wider community – Apply Now!