Direct Services Rural and Regional Counsellor/Project Officer – Newcastle #1107

The Role 

The position is to provide a comprehensive assessment, referral and counselling service to Refugee and Special  Humanitarian Program entrants living in the Hunter and Armidale region of NSW.

Details

Download Position Description

Essential Criteria

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in counselling, social work, behavioural or social sciences, psychology, or a  related field with eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association. 
2. Demonstrated assessment and counselling experience in a cross-cultural context. 
3. Demonstrated understanding of the issues affecting refugees in particular resettlement issues, and the effects  of torture on individuals, young people, families, and communities. 
4. Demonstrated relevant group work experience and training skills. 
5. Demonstrated knowledge of the cultures and health needs of refugee communities in Hunter and Armidale Region.  
6. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in community development, community liaison and advocacy. 
7. Excellent oral, written & interpersonal communication skills and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and  ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team within a multicultural environment. 
8. Current NSW Driver’s License.

*This position is considered child-related employment and willrequire a Working with Children Background Check and a National Police Check. 

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS 

*This role is a Category A role. It is mandatory for Category A workers to meet and maintain the vaccination criteria (as  per the current NSW Health and STARTTS policies) including annual Influenza vaccinations. Two doses of an approved  COVID-19 vaccine will be required to provide a record of your COVID-19 vaccination status. If successful you must provide  evidence of vaccination. 

Additionally, vaccination and/or assessment is required for Category A workers for the following transmissible diseases – measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and  tuberculosis. If successful you must also provide evidence of vaccination and/or assessment. 

Should you not be able to comply with vaccination requirements before your commencement date, the offer of  employment may be withdrawn. 

If you have a medical reason for why you cannot be vaccinated, a medical contraindication evidence will be required. 

Desirable Criteria

1. Experience in working with children and adolescents in a clinical setting. 

Other Information

Enquiries: Mark Davis on (02) 9646 6700 

Work Type: Full-time; 38 hours per week. Contract up to 30 June 2026 (Continuation subject to ongoing funding) 

Location: Newcastle (with provision of counselling in Armidale and other Rural & Regional areas, requiring  fortnightly travel) 

Vaccination Requirement: Category A. 

Salary: Health Education Officer, or other relevant classification based on qualifications, experience, and  requirements of the role. A generous salary packaging scheme is also offered. 

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please ensure you address the selection criteria as thoroughly as  possible.

1. Complete a STARTTS Application for Employment Form
2. Write a Statement Against the Selection Criteria outlining how you meet the selection criteria (see the guide “How to apply for a job at STARTTS”)
3. Submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
4. Provide copies of relevant Qualifications if applicable (overseas qualification must be assessed by an appropriate Australian body to be considered)
5. Statements of Service from previous relevant roles (if applicable, please ask us for a sample)
6. A cover letter is optional.
7. Email your application and supporting documents to: STTS-Jobs@health.nsw.gov.au

Closing date: Friday 31 May 2024

NB: Depending on the role, if appointed, you may need a current ‘NSW Working With Children Check’ clearance, follow this link for information on how to apply of your check: https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/working-children-check/applicant

NSW STARTTS

Do you want to work in one of Australia’s leading organisations providing treatment and rehabilitation to torture and trauma survivors; that’s quality focused, diverse & committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable people in communities? 

Come & join us! 

The Organisation 

"STARTTS is a not-for-profit Affiliated Health Organisation focused on providing a broad range of services to refugees in NSW. The focus of STARTTS approach is on building capacity and empowering people and communities to take control over their own lives, using a strengths-based approach and building on individual, family, community and cultural strengths."