Elpline Counsellor, Employer: Child Wise, Work Type/s: Contract, Classification/s: Mental Health & Counselling, Social Work, Youth, Sector/s: Not For Profit (NFP), Location: Australia-Wide, Contract position

About Us: ChildWise is one of Australia’s leading child protection charities highly respected and recognised both locally and overseas.  Our mission is to be recognised as leaders in creating child safe organisations and communities. Our staff are passionate and committed to our mission and: provide help, support and resources to individuals and organizations, develop and deliver innovative child protection programs, work with communities and governments to identify strategies to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation, develop and run advocacy campaigns, promote the rights of children.

ChildWise recognises that the issue of child abuse and exploitation is complex, and as such also recognises that a range of interventions and a collaborative approach is required over a sustained period to have an impact. ChildWise is a collaborative, flexible and ethical organsation that seeks the best from the team to deliver the best outcomes for the organisations and communities we support.

The Opportunity: Reporting to the Manager, Helpline and Community Training, Child Wise Helpline Counsellors are responsible for providing a back-up service in answering the Child Wise 1800 Helpline and the sustained effective operation of the service during business hours.  Child Wise Helpline callers are usually people affected by child sexual abuse including victims, parents, relatives, teachers, friends, professionals and carers. Many of the callers require information on the indicators of child abuse and what to do, information about issues related to normal child development and assistance on how to talk to children about personal safety.

Responsibilities: Provides Helpline phone coverage during 9am-5pm EST (business hours) and ensure smooth operations are maintained

Responds appropriately to Helpline caller requests for information and/or community services and refers callers to existing community resources based on issue, eligibility, geographic location and availability

Responds to Helpline caller requests for empathic listening/problem solving and/or crisis intervention

Maintains accurate documentation of crisis and suicide intervention calls in accordance with policies and procedures

Maintain accurate case notes for each call and return case notes to the Senior Helpline Counsellor at the end of each shift.

Collaborates with ChildWise staff and volunteers in the provision of telephone information, referral, reassurance, listening, and crisis intervention services

Contributes to and utilises a Helpline community resource database according to Child Wise policies and procedures

Personal Attributes

Collaborative – works with other to achieve common goals, engenders a spirit of teamwork and inspires trust

Culturally Aware – respects difference in all its forms, adapts language to aid communication and values diversity as a strength and positive utilises diversity

Client focused – Prioritises need of clients, aims for the best outcomes for clients, is outcome focused and follows through with commitments

Determined – Researches options and sets a clear path, deals with obstacles and impediments, has clear goals

Ethical – Has integrity and principles, is truthful and reflects expected standards of behaviour

Flexible – Adapts to changing circumstances in the workplace, prioritises work and addresses what is most important, takes advantage of new and emerging opportunities.

Key Selection Criteria: If you meet the following criteria we would love to speak to you, Tertiary qualification in social science, counselling, psychology is essential. Demonstrated track record in providing counselling or over the phone counselling services and strong understanding of and experience in short term or single session counseling. Thorough understanding of trauma and the impacts on children.

A strong commitment to professional development and enhancing skills and knowledge in the area of childhood abuse and child protection. Appropriate Australian work visa

Prepared to undergo a national criminal record check. Hold a current working with children check. Be prepared to either work from our offices in Eastern Road, South Melbourne or work from home taking calls where required, Have a current ABN, To express your interest, please provide a covering letter briefly outlining how you meet our needs and what you can bring to Child Wise.  Please also attach your resume.

Email it to office@childwise.org.au