Counsellor – Aboriginal Family Legal Services Queensland

Counsellor - Aboriginal Family Legal Services Queensland

• Flexible location: Toowoomba | Gympie | Murgon | Roma

• Full-time (38 hours per week)

• Excellent tax-free salary packaging options available (up to $15,900)

Make a difference where it matters

Aboriginal Family Legal Services Queensland (AFLSQ) provides culturally safe, community-centred services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families.

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Counsellor to join our multidisciplinary team and provide culturally safe, trauma-informed counselling, case management and client support.

This is an opportunity to work alongside legal, counselling, client support and community teams to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people navigating complex circumstances including domestic and family violence, family law, child protection, social and emotional wellbeing concerns and related challenges.

At AFLSQ, counselling doesn't happen in isolation. Our approach recognises the importance of culture, family, community and connection, and the successful applicant will work collaboratively across our organisation and with community partners to help clients access the support they need.

About the role

As an AFLSQ Counsellor, you will provide individual counselling, therapeutic interventions, case management and practical support within your professional scope of practice.

Your work will include:

• Delivering culturally safe, trauma-informed counselling to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and families.

• Conducting client assessments and developing individualised support plans.

• Providing individual counselling and therapeutic interventions appropriate to client needs and your scope of practice.

• Supporting clients experiencing domestic and family violence, family law, child protection and related social and emotional wellbeing issues.

• Providing ongoing case management, advocacy and client support.

• Monitoring client progress and reviewing support strategies as required.

• Connecting clients with appropriate internal and external services and culturally appropriate supports.

• Working collaboratively with AFLSQ solicitors, paralegals, counsellors and other team members to provide integrated, client-centred support while maintaining professional confidentiality and ethical boundaries.

• Identifying and escalating complex or high-risk matters in accordance with organisational procedures.

• Participating in multidisciplinary case discussions, professional supervision and team meetings.

Working with community

Community connection is an important part of the role.

You will have opportunities to participate in approved community engagement, outreach, education and information activities across the AFLSQ service footprint.

This includes building respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders, organisations and service providers; promoting AFLSQ counselling services and referral pathways; identifying emerging community needs and service gaps; and supporting culturally appropriate initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing and improve access to services.

Professional practice, records and continuous improvement

Good client outcomes are supported by strong professional practice and good systems.

You will be responsible for maintaining accurate, timely and confidential client records, case notes, assessments, referrals and other documentation using AFLSQ's approved systems and processes.

About you

You will be someone who can combine professional counselling practice with genuine respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities and ways of working.

Essential

You will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Counselling, Social Work, Psychology or a related discipline.

• A minimum of two years' post-qualification experience delivering counselling and/or case management services.

• Demonstrated experience in trauma-informed practice, including risk assessment, safety planning and supporting clients experiencing domestic and family violence and complex trauma.

• A sound understanding of culturally safe, trauma-informed practice.

• The ability to engage respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.

• Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills.

• The ability to maintain accurate, professional and timely client records and documentation.

• The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

• A current driver's licence, as some travel is required.

• The ability to obtain and/or maintain all licences, registrations and clearances required for the position.

Highly regarded

We would particularly welcome applicants with:

• Experience working within family law or child protection settings.

• Knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service systems, community organisations and referral pathways.

• An understanding of intergenerational trauma and the social determinants impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• Membership, or eligibility for membership, with a relevant professional association such as ACA, PACFA, AASW or equivalent.

• Experience using client management systems such as Actionstep or similar.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

For a confidential discussion regarding the role, please contact Dionne Turner via email ••••@aflsq.org.au or call (07) •••• •116.