Counsellor/ Social Worker
Indigenous Skills and Employment Program (ISEP)

Job Title: Counsellor/ Social Worker

Location: Albany, Great Southern Region, WA

Employment Type: Full-time (1.0 FTE)

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this opportunity (under section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984)

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About the Role

Reporting to the Projects & Services Manager, the Counsellor / Social Worker provides holistic client support to participants of the Prison to Work program.
 

The primary purpose for this position is to deliver high level screening, assessment and culturally appropriate counselling or social work services.

The Counsellor / Social Worker will carry an allocated caseload of clients providing outreach and intensive support, whilst working as part of the Indigenous Skills & Employment Program (ISEP) team.

This role is crucial in facilitating successful reintegration and reconnection of Aboriginal individuals transitioning from incarceration to community and employment.

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Essential skills/experiences 

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Cultural Competency

• Understanding of Aboriginal culture, protocols and boundaries; and

• Substantial experience working with Aboriginal families in contact with the justice system, or a related field.

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Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Exceptional people skills;

• Well-developed written and oral communication skills;

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively as a team member and, as required, mentor;

• Excellent ability to effectively engage and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds;

• Demonstrated capacity to deliver activities and support services that meet the needs of Aboriginal people who have experienced periods of incarceration;

• Experience in liaising with community and government stakeholders; and

• Effective problem solving and negotiating skills.

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Other Knowledge and Experience

• 3 plus years of experience within a Counselling or Social Worker role or similar;

• Ability to complete comprehensive assessments and determine needs;

• Demonstrated knowledge of best practice approaches to working alongside people who have complex needs and have experienced periods of incarceration/engaged with the department of justice;

• An ability to work within a custodial environment;

• Knowledge of specialist services to support individuals and their families who have experienced periods of incarceration including links to skill development and employment;

• Demonstrated positive working relationships with other agencies in a service network, and experience with shared case work or group work;

• Demonstrated understanding of the social barriers and issues that impact the lives of Aboriginal people;

• Demonstrated understanding of the Closing the Gap targets;

• Demonstrated ability to provide services that foster self-determination;

• High level understanding of cultural responsiveness; and

• Good working knowledge of relevant technology and software, including Microsoft Word and Excel.

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And desirably has:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, community welfare or a relevant human service / mental health area.

• Knowledge of local Aboriginal community and culture.

• An understanding of culturally informed approaches relating to Noongar people of the Great Southern and their culture; and

• An understanding of approaches aligning to holistic healing.

 

Benefits 

• Working for a local community in a culturally safe ACCO. 

• Access to generous employee benefits including Not for Profit salary packaging entitlements (see below), leave loading.

• Organisational early finish Fridays (4pm).

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Other employment information

Required

• A current WA Driver’s licence

• A Prior Offender History Check no older than three months.

• A Working with Children Check.

 

Apply Now

Please note we will begin shortlisting as we receive suitable applications and therefore encourage early applications.

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Please include a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and your suitability for the role after reviewing the position description.

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For enquiries and full position description, please contact our People & Culture Coordinator, Peter Wilson, via peter@sacorp.com.au or 0407 349 449.