Counsellor/Social Worker ISEP Program

Add expected salary to your profile for insights Southern Aboriginal Corporation (SAC) are a leading Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that exists to support the unique and evolving needs of Aboriginal people. Our vision is to: Step Up … Empower self-determination and Aboriginal led solutions Stand Tall … Lead the way with cultural and business integrity Walk Together ... Build inclusive relationships, partnerships and community through mutual respect and empathy This is achieved through: Implementing a Culturally Informed Trauma Integrated Healing Approach; Promoting Noongar social and cultural values; Providing a united voice for our community; Improving justice outcomes for survivors of family violence and sexual assault; Coordinating access to quality and affordable housing; Supporting better health outcomes; and Coordinating accessible programs and initiatives that build a solid foundation for future prosperity. Our team operates across several regions throughout the Southern areas of Western Australia. We are committed to delivering a holistic wrap‑around service model for our community and working collaboratively with other service organisations to provide the best care and outcomes for our people. Our Values Our pathway to achieving our vision is strengthened by our values and our cultural ways of working. We step up... We empower our people through supporting self‑determined and Aboriginal‑led solutions which leads to building our people and our community. We promote equity and seeking justice for all by implementing a culturally informed trauma integrated healing approach which allows us to provide a culturally safe place and dignified service provision. We embrace change and new perspectives which helps us grow and make informed decisions. We stand tall... We acknowledge and take pride in sharing where our journey started and how this influences our journey ahead. We embrace cultural integrity as a norm and inspire others to do the same. Our commitment to practicing good governance builds trust and faith in all that we do through operating with integrity, accountability and ethical business practices. We walk together... We value relationships based on mutual respect and treat people with empathy and compassion. Through a community led approach we build partnerships by embracing collaboration and co‑design principles. About the Role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this opportunity (under section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984) Based in Albany, Western Australia, reporting to the Projects & Services Manager, the Counsellor / Social Worker provides holistic client support to participants of the Prison to Work program. The primary purpose for this position is to deliver high level screening, assessment and culturally appropriate counselling or social work services. The Counsellor / Social Worker will carry an allocated caseload of clients providing outreach and intensive support, whilst working as part of the Indigenous Skills & Employment Program (ISEP) team. This role is crucial in facilitating successful reintegration and reconnection of Aboriginal individuals transitioning from incarceration to community and employment. About You You are a motivated and committed person that ideally has: Cultural Competency Understanding of Aboriginal culture, protocols and boundaries; and Substantial experience working with Aboriginal families in contact with the justice system, or a related field. Communication and Interpersonal Skills Exceptional people skills; Well-developed written and oral communication skills; Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively as a team member and, as required, mentor; Excellent ability to effectively engage and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds; Demonstrated capacity to deliver activities and support services that meet the needs of Aboriginal people who have experienced periods of incarceration; Experience in liaising with community and government stakeholders; and Effective problem solving and negotiating skills. Other Knowledge and Experience 3 plus years of experience within a Counselling or Social Worker role or similar; Ability to complete comprehensive assessments and determine needs; Demonstrated knowledge of best practice approaches to working alongside people who have complex needs and have experienced periods of incarceration/engaged with the department of justice; An ability to work within a custodial environment; Knowledge of specialist services to support individuals and their families who have experienced periods of incarceration including links to skill development and employment; Demonstrated positive working relationships with other agencies in a service network, and experience with shared case work or group work; Demonstrated understanding of the social barriers and issues that impact the lives of Aboriginal people; Demonstrated understanding of the Closing the Gap targets; Demonstrated ability to provide services that foster self‑determination; High level understanding of cultural responsiveness; and Good working knowledge of relevant technology and software, including Microsoft Word and Excel. It is desirable for you to hold: A relevant tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, community welfare or a relevant human service / mental health area. Knowledge of local Aboriginal community and culture. An understanding of culturally informed approaches relating to Noongar people of the Great Southern and their culture; and An understanding of approaches aligning to holistic healing. Mandatory Current WA driver’s licence. You must provide before you start: A Prior Offender History Check no older than three months. A Working with Children Check. Key Responsibilities The Counsellor / Social Worker is responsible for: Provision of client‑led counselling or social worker support to participants in self‑determined programs and activities; Provision of ongoing support and expertise to create and implement self‑determined action plans to support reintegration and reconnection; Working with participants to co‑design support plans to reduce barriers to successful employment following a period of incarceration; Encourage positive relationships and support networks through cultural connection; Establish and maintain collaborative and supportive relationships with participants, service providers, other team members and community through demonstrating respect, empathy and understanding cultural needs; Work with participants experiencing systemic disadvantage and those with a history of or at risk of recidivism; Undertaking participant and engagement risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies; Provide warm referrals to external education, training, employment and support providers. Implement and maintain trauma‑informed practices throughout all aspects of service delivery; Facilitate and coordinate cultural connection activities to strengthen participants' ties to community and culture; Provide support and resources to participants' families to enhance the overall reintegration process; Collaborate with correctional facilities to ensure smooth transition from incarceration to community; Monitor and support participants' progress in education, training, and employment placements; Advocate for participants with various stakeholders including employers, training institutions, and government agencies. Culture Work within SAC’s established safety maturity framework to improve SAC’s position on the safety maturity curve. Lead and demonstrate SAC’s values in all areas of work activity, promoting a positive workplace culture. For a copy of the Position Description that provides a detailed indication of key responsibilities, required outcomes, reporting and workplace culture requirements, please contact our People & Culture Coordinator by email at or by phoning . Unlock job insights AI Job match analysis Salary match Number of applicants Your application will include the following questions: How many years' experience do you have as a social worker? Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check? Are you available to travel for this role when required? Do you have a current Police Check (National Police Certificate) for employment? Do you have a current Australian driver's licence? Are you willing to undergo a pre‑employment medical check? Therapeutic Specialist | Albany | Great Southern Region #J-18808-Ljbffr