Youth Counsellor

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Why this role matters
The Salvation Army Youth Services offer an integrated suite of programs engaging with young people across Australia. Our services create intentional avenues for young people to explore opportunities, build support networks, and access, participate and contribute to their communities. Youth services provide a diverse range of programs which include housing and homelessness, driver training, education, employment, and training, AOD support, social and community activities, specialist therapeutic responses and youth justice programs.

About the role
We are seeking a values-driven Youth Counsellor/Group Facilitator for Oasis Drug and Alcohol Youth Support to provide counselling and psychoeducation group work to young people aged between 12-19 within the Central Coast Region.

The Youth Counsellor will work towards reducing alcohol and other drug use-related harm by delivering a client-centered, high quality, and safe AOD-focused psychosocial counselling and support. The Youth Counsellor will provide early intervention and prevention modules to young people to reduce development and harm of problematic substance use. The Youth Counsellor will improve the health, well-being, and social outcomes of clients by delivering comprehensive alcohol and other drug support interventions. In addition, the Youth Counsellor will take the lead in the team to develop and grow partnership opportunities.

You will successfully

• Provide evidence-based psychotherapy and counselling to young people experiencing substance use disorder and or problematic AOD usage
• Provide individual or group psychoeducational programs
• Provide accessible information to clients, family, and other service providers about the service
• Assess clients with a range of co-existing physical health, mental health, and social conditions
• Provide an environment free of alcohol and non-prescribed pharmaceutical medications
• Facilitate regular contact and support for clients who are on a wait list
• Ensure practice is underpinned by trauma-informed and psychologically informed care and environment evidence work with clear, concise recording/documentation in 48hrs, upholding confidentiality always
• Demonstrate critical thinking and reflective practice in all work, documentation, and supervision
• Adhere to mandatory reporting legislation and guidelines
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, training and build positive partnerships with key stakeholders
• Support other members of team members to achieve shared goals
• Provide culturally responsive support to diverse groups throughout counselling and group work
• Work collaboratively with co-workers, other Oasis programs and external agencies
• Take lead on developing partnership opportunities, external site visits and stakeholder relationships

This is a part-time position (for 12 months with possible extension), to commence immediately. Located on the Central Coast (Wyong), NSW. Salary and conditions are in accordance with Health Professionals Level 3 Award.

You will have

• Registered/Provisionally Registered psychologist with Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) or Accredited Counsellor with Bachelor/Post Graduate Level qualifications in Counselling or Social Worker with Bachelor/Post Graduate Level Qualifications and eligibility to join AASW. Other APRHA registered allied health professionals with relevant experience may be considered
• Previous experience in counselling and assessment with young people experiencing AOD
• Valid NSW Working With Children's Check
• Current NSW Driver's Licence
• A National Police Check
• Compulsory Code of Conduct, WHS and Bullying and Harassment training modules are completed and up to date.
• Registered with Psychology Board of Australia or eligible for registration with relevant peak body

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What we offer

• (Maybe eligible to) NFP salary packaging ($15,900 tax free) plus meals and entertainment benefits
• Employee Assistance Program - Independent confidential counselling service
• Financial, retail and lifestyle discounts and benefits
• Discounted health and fitness programs through Fitness Passport
• Up to 8 weeks leave per year through our purchase leave scheme
• Generous Parental Leave offering of 12 weeks
• Up to 5 days paid leave per year to support a TSA program or activity
• An inclusive culture of dedicated, passionate, and professional team members
• Positively supporting and impacting the lives of others through your career contribution

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