Counsellor Advocate in Melbourne

Ongoing, part-time position (0.8 EFT) with a values-based organisation. Based in our Sunshine office, parking onsite, close to public transport. Salary of 106-111k + Super + Salary Packaging (pro rata to 0.8 EFT).

Rebuilding Shattered Lives - supporting refugees to recover from torture and other traumatic events.

Your impact: Foundation House adopts a holistic and integrated approach to meeting the complex needs of our refugee background clients and their communities to ensure the application of trauma-informed principles and trauma-focused interventions. As a Counsellor Advocate, you will work with the Foundation House Trauma Recovery Framework to provide expert assessment and counselling, using a diverse range of developmentally appropriate psychosocial therapeutic interventions. These services address both the complex psychological impact of torture and trauma, along with addressing the many challenges our clients face in terms of the broader social and economic determinants of mental health. Your role will also involve a range of advocacy including liaison and facilitated referrals with relevant health, community, education, and legal services.

We currently have a part-time (0.8 EFT), ongoing position available in our Sunshine office. Regular supervision, guidance and professional development support is provided to assist you in undertaking your work as a Counsellor Advocate and to support high-quality services to our clients.

About You

We are looking for Counsellor Advocates who are committed to advancing human rights and are passionate about supporting trauma recovery for refugee background individuals and families.

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments with individuals and families to develop clear formulations and client-centred therapeutic goals.
• Provide developmentally appropriate trauma-informed and trauma-focused counselling and therapeutic interventions using a range of evidence-based modalities.
• Provide psychoeducation in individual, family and group settings.
• Identify critical issues clients experience that are affecting their sense of wellbeing, mental health and safety, and develop strategies for responding to those issues. This includes making referrals and undertaking advocacy with relevant health, community, education, legal services and government agencies.
• Embrace working with people from many cultural and religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

What You Will Need To Successfully Apply

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in psychology, social work, counselling, or other related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in counselling, preferably in a similar trauma recovery context or another area of trauma-focused service provision.
• Demonstrated experience conducting psychosocial assessments and risk assessments of adults and families.
• Ability to write high-quality professional psychosocial reports for a variety of key stakeholders, including legal and government bodies.
• Good understanding of how to negotiate and advocate with multiple service systems in Victoria to support the needs of clients and their families.
• Previous experience working with Asylum Seeker clients would be highly advantageous.

In return, You Will Be Rewarded With

• An attractive remuneration package, ranging between 106k and 111k plus superannuation (based on experience and pro rata to 0.8 EFT).
• Salary packaging benefits of up to $18,550, plus novated car leasing options.
• A role with true purpose to make a difference in people's lives.
• A welcoming, highly diverse and supportive team environment.
• Excellent training and professional development.
• Generous leave provisions with option to purchase additional leave.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for both staff and family members.

Foundation House is an inclusive employer. We are an equal opportunity employer; we foster a work environment that is inclusive and diverse. We are values-driven and are committed to improving the life outcomes of refugees and asylum seekers. Foundation House is a state-wide agency offering services throughout Victoria.

How To Apply: Upload your CV and a cover letter (maximum one to two pages) outlining why you are suitable for this role and how you meet the selection criteria as described above. Refer to the position description on our website for detailed information about the role and for more information about our hiring process, please refer to our careers with us page. Applications are due to close 7th of July 2025. Please note, applications will be considered as they are received and may close early.

For enquiries please contact our HR Team via email or phone Justin Curreen-Harris.

Hiring is subject to satisfactory Police Check, current Working with Children Check, and proof of the right to work and live in Australia.