Counsellor/Mental Health Worker - Part Time

Why this role matters

The Salvation Army Youth Services provides critical support to young people across the country who are facing a range of complex challenges and who require support with their mental health. We offer a safe space where young people can access services and support.

Reconnect is an early intervention program that works with young people who are at risk of homelessness and require counselling and mental health support. The program can also help young people to explore opportunities, build support networks, and access, participate and contribute to their communities.

About the role

We are looking for a Reconnect Mental Health Worker & Counsellor to provide effective evidence-based psychological counselling and interventions to young people 12–18 years within the Sutherland Shire who have left home or are at risk of homelessness, and to provide support to their families. The position includes the provision of mental health workshops and psychoeducation groups within and outside of local schools; screening and assessment duties; and risk management, referral, education, and support responsibilities. The successful candidate will have counselling skills and experience and possess a working knowledge of issues such as drug & alcohol misuse, trauma, domestic violence, homelessness, anger management/stress & mental health.

This permanent part‑time position, based in Miranda NSW, operates 2 days per week from 9am to 5pm and reports directly to the coordinator. Remuneration is in line with the Health Professionals Award Level 3.
 

How you will make an impact

• Provide effective evidence-based psychological support, counselling, and intervention to Reconnect clients aged 12–18 years with complex needs and mental health presentations; develop and deliver mental health and psychoeducation groups and workshops.
• Complete all screening/assessment and reporting obligations in a timely manner; maintain accurate documentation, clinical session records, reports, and data collection activities, utilising established mechanisms (SAMIS) and procedures; ensure services are meeting key performance indicators and funding obligations.
• Develop and monitor individual treatment and risk management plans; assess risk and effectively utilise risk management interventions, reporting and procedures.
• Maintain continued professional development (CPD) activities; attend regular clinical supervision; adhere to the APS Code of Ethics.
• Develop plans and strategies to ensure that barriers to access service are addressed; identify client needs and provide ongoing support to clients to facilitate their referral and access to other professional services and assessments; acquire and maintain a good working knowledge of referral and support options for participants.
• Work collaboratively and professionally with other services; effectively work within a team that fosters and empowers continuous improvement; demonstrate effective teamwork; demonstrate commitment to an environment that values continuous improvement and innovation in the delivery of high-quality service provision and services.
• Undertake ad hoc duties as requested by the Reconnect Coordinator and Therapeutic Programs Manager.

What you will bring

• Full registration as a psychologist with AHPRA or a recognised counselling qualification; minimum honours degree level qualification in a relevant discipline (psychology, social work, counselling).
• NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC); current NSW Drivers’ Licence; current First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain one.
• Demonstrated experience in counselling and the delivery of psychological interventions and assessments; demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the mental health system and issues experienced by young people affected by mental health concerns.
• Demonstrated experience related to working with young people, particularly 12–18 years old; demonstrated experience and ability to work with young people at risk of homelessness and impacted by mental health issues; knowledge of issues involved in youth homelessness and early home leaving.
• Knowledge of current theories and concepts relating to counselling practice issues and their implementation, including psychology and family therapy; ability to develop and deliver mental health education and training packages.
• Experience working with people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background; experience working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and religions; experience working in collaboration with other organisations.

What we offer

The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including: 

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts.

How to apply

If you are ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of young people, we would love to hear from you.

Click APPLY NOW and submit your resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration