POSITION DESCRIPTION Version 2.7
POSITION TITLE:
Senior Counsellor / Part Time – 22.8 Hours per week
CLASSIFICATION:
Band 3.1.3
DIVISION:
Family Health and Wellbeing
PROGRAM:
Counselling
LOCATION:
Narre Warren, as well as work performed at the request of the agency at any Windermere location
TENURE:
3 years
DATE:
June 2016
1. ABOUT WINDERMERE Windermere is an independent community service organization, working across south east Victoria to help those who need it most. Since our beginning more than 150 years ago, we have been working to create a stronger, more connected and supported community. Our support comes in many forms as we work together to find the right solutions for the many and varied complex issues faced by children, families and individuals in our community. Our aim is to get in early by providing programs and services within five primary areas: • Family Wellbeing to create positive behavioural changes, greater understanding and respond to violence and/or neglect • Childhood Development, Education & Support including child care and services for children and adults with developmental delays and disability • Assistance and support for victims of trauma, assault and/or violent crime • Community Strengthening designed to respond quickly to critical and emerging needs. • Whilst we receive funding for some services from state and federal governments, others are funded solely by donors and sponsors to whom we are truly grateful. We believe that everyone is someone in our community and that is reflected in our approach with those we work with everyday.
2. OUR PURPOSE, VISION, VALUES AND ENABLERS Windermere improves wellbeing in children, families and communities by helping to realise their potential, building resilience and connecting people to the community. Our Purpose: We get in early to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities Our Vision: A stronger, connected and supported community Our Values: We believe that everyone is someone in our community where: • • • •
Equity is viewed as a natural right Fairness embraces and incorporates difference Collaboration results in social good Opportunity creates empowerment and inclusion
Our Enablers: People, Quality, Inquiry
3. POSITION OBJECTIVES, KEY RESULT AREAS, RESPONSIBILITIES and PERFORMANCE MEASURES The purpose of this position is to work with and support the Assistant Manager Counselling Services to ensure that provision of quality services is consistent with all Funding & Service Agreements (FASA) and all other contractual agreements and legislation. This position will assist the progress of the growth strategy of the Agency and under the direction of the Manager this position is responsible for the operational day to day service provision within Windermere’s Counselling Services and will ensure that the overall service achieves target and budget objectives. The position will move across the Narre Warren, Pakenham and Cranbourne sites with the aim of growing the service within other areas deemed appropriate for the target market. This service area offers a suite of supports for Individuals, families and communities who have experienced family violence, sexual assault or who are children who demonstrate sexualized behaviors Through the use of the principles of Appreciate Inquiry, the Senior Counsellor will contribute to and implement the goals and aims of the Client Services operational plan, which in turn is underpinned by the Windermere Strategic Plan. The Senior Counsellor will work with the team as well as other Windermere services to strengthen all life areas of individuals, families and communities through developing and maintaining efficient and effective services. This involves planning and evaluation of operations including providing analysis and interpretation of work practices and consumer outcomes. The role also provides mentoring, guidance, leadership and support to all staff within the team and works closely with the Manager, as well as other leaders across the agency so as to strengthen organisational capacity, develop new services and service models, align policy and practice and to manage organisational change for continual improvement, as well as to promote the work of the organisation.
Page 2 © Windermere 27/06/2016, 5:09 PM N:\Corporate Business\Human Resources\General\Position Description\Family Health and Wellbeing\Counselling\Senior Counsellor June 2016.docx
Objectives – Key Result Areas Job knowledge
Responsibilities
Performance Measures
1. Operates flexibly across a range of functions inclusive of contributing to policy development, CQI, internal committees and supports other programs and service areas across the organisation
Engaged with other areas of organisation and cross referrals within organisation are increased
2. Demonstrates competence in standard tasks including supervision of staff, time management, punctuality as well as in holding difficult conversations
Supervision provided in line with Windermere policies and procedures Positive team culture, evidenced in staff cultural surveys as well as day to day team interactions Punctual for all meetings/events Tasks completed in a timely manner Staff supported through timely and positive discussions in regards to areas for improvement, with discussions documented as part of supervision or performance improvement framework
3. Demonstrates a readiness and capacity to learn new skills and seeks own professional development opportunities, feedback and support as required
Professional development opportunities explored and attended Actively seeks and receives feedback in regards to own performance Directions followed in a positive and timely manner
Judgment and decision making
4. Works without direct supervision
Works autonomously and makes timely and responsible decisions for programs of responsibility, within delegation
5. Seeks guidance and advice in relation to difficult matters within an appropriate timeframe from the Assistant Manager, Service Manager, Director Community Services & Business Development or Manager Human Resources as relevant
Difficult matters are discussed with the Manager and then managed appropriately
6. Manages issues upwards to Assistant Manager, Manager or Director Community Services & Business Development as required and in a timely manner, such as critical issues, death of a client, OH&S concerns, events likely to hit media as well as other issues as relevant
Manager and Director Community Services & Business Development is aware of all critical issues in a timely manner, either immediately or next business day OH&S Reports completed within 24 hours Incident reports completed and provided to Manager and Director Community Services & Business
Page 3 Š Windermere 27/06/2016, 5:09 PM N:\Corporate Business\Human Resources\General\Position Description\Family Health and Wellbeing\Counselling\Senior Counsellor June 2016.docx
Development within the required timelines In consultation with the Manager, support the review and implementation of risk analysis. Communication Skills
7. Communicates appropriately and in a timely manner to external stakeholders such as clients and funding bodies, including via phone, face to face, email and fax as well as regular reporting as required.
Stakeholders are engaged and respected
8. To attend on prearranged dates around supervision and agency wide training including agency forums and be actively involved in the 6 week performance review, 3 and 6 month probationary review and a recurring annual performance review with the relevant supervisor
100% attendance at all internal reviews and agency events
Attendance and participation at relevant internal and external working groups and forums
Leadership and Wellbeing
Risk analysis is maintained at best practice standards
9. At all times displays appropriate professional behaviour, eg respect, inclusiveness, fairness, confidentiality, honesty Establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues that are fair, professional, supportive and respectful.
10. Work with staff to create a positive team and organisational culture, promote Windermere values and strategic directions Foster a culture of openness, transparency and accountability
Foster a culture of inquiry, learning and community through collaborative leadership that is reflective of Windermere’s values
Positive work place relationships, and in all conversations, Windermere and staff are spoken about positively.
Strong relationships built with internal and external stakeholders evidenced by positive feedback in regards to team work and overall contribution and respect of others Membership on or participation in committees / working groups / SOP
Positive work place relationships, and in all conversations, Windermere and staff are spoken about positively. Positive team culture and high staff retention
Lead by example Individual staff performance as well as team issues are well managed with no requirement for external HR/IR consultants Speaking positively of Windermere and its entire staff and consumers Team building days held balance between tasks and fun / humor Results of employee engagement survey analysed and key areas for improvement noted and worked through with team, and reported back
Page 4 Š Windermere 27/06/2016, 5:09 PM N:\Corporate Business\Human Resources\General\Position Description\Family Health and Wellbeing\Counselling\Senior Counsellor June 2016.docx
11. Actively promotes and assists in the growth and development of direct supervisory reports, such as in creating acting up opportunities, training events and mentoring
Staff related Activities
to Manager and Director Community Services & Business Development Coaching of staff via provision of honest feedback and affirmation and captured in supervision notes Staff continue to develop and grow, evidenced by increased leadership skills
12. Staff are orientated and trained in all relevant Policy, procedure, guidelines, legislation and standards, and that these are adhered to
Policies, procedures, guidelines and legislation are understood and adhered to. Staff complete all mandatory training, including induction
13. 80% minimum supervision of staff within whole team once a fortnight (pro rata) as evidenced by supervision Notes in line with the
Supervision audit, documented monthly within supervision framework/workplan
14. Ensure that staff take annual leave, RDO’s and TIL as per Windermere Policy
Leave is taken by all staff in accordance with Windermere Policy and audited in ADP
Manage all annual, sick leave, TIL and RDO’s for team through the use of ADP and timesheets 15. Ensure that staff take lunch and tea breaks as per Windermere Policy
Noted on timesheets
16. All staff attend on prearranged dates around supervision and agency wide and external training including agency forums and that all staff are actively involved in their 6 week performance review, 3 and 6 month probationary review and a recurring annual performance review with the relevant supervisor, inclusive of annual review of position descriptions
Reviews conducted and provided to Manager in a timely manner 100% of PD’s and contracts are up to date
Together with staff, identify training needs and develop individualised training programs, including compulsory training to eliminate potential risks where required (such as food handling and first aid) 17. Ensures program compliant with all relevant service agreements and regulations Participate in the evaluation of programs / audits Ensure timely completion of Incident Reports and forward to Manager in order for Windermere to adhere to
Training is sourced and attended Training forms are completed and submitted to HR
Compliant Audits conducted and passed 100% FASA compliance Incident Reports completed
Page 5 © Windermere 27/06/2016, 5:09 PM N:\Corporate Business\Human Resources\General\Position Description\Family Health and Wellbeing\Counselling\Senior Counsellor June 2016.docx
legislated timelines Regularly review individual and team performance against KPI’s and implement corrective action where necessary
Discussed with Assistant Manager in supervision
18.Ensures program compliant with all relevant standards/legislation; - OH&S - EEO - Industrial Relations - Privacy
Compliant
19.Supports the implementation of Program Targets and report back to Manager monthly on same
All targets achieved, and seek to achieve 10% over set targets annually. Targets reported to Manager by the 7th of the month, for the month prior inclusive of year to date cumulative All case notes and client contact hours (direct and indirect) completed and in mandatory Windermere and funding body data systems within 3 days of actual client contact
Oversee CRISSP and other client management data entry to ensure compliance
Evidence for demand / unmet need is documented and then analysed twice per year, July and January. File audits are conducted as per internal requirements and timelines with a minimum of 80% compliance achieved
Compliance related activities
Service Specific KPIs
20. Familiar with and adhere to Windermere’s Policies and Procedures
Policies read, understood and adhered to
21.Grievances or complaints managed in line with Windermere policies – systemic issues identified and addressed
Grievance procedure followed
22. Maintain a high level of awareness in regards to risk management, implementing appropriate action to eliminate or mitigate risks end ensure client/worker safety as well as organisational reputation and viability 23. Ensure counselling staff supervised collect wellbeing outcomes measures and collate these for quarterly reports
Risk management procedure followed Risks are eliminated or mitigated
Wellbeing measures collected and collated
Ensure counsellors track all data regarding service delivery
All data required for reporting purposes collected
Support the continued implementation of FV FSP packages
FVFSP packages provided – approvals within 1 working day, financial processing to occur within 1 working day prioritising high risk situations
Page 6 © Windermere 27/06/2016, 5:09 PM N:\Corporate Business\Human Resources\General\Position Description\Family Health and Wellbeing\Counselling\Senior Counsellor June 2016.docx
Co-facilitate groups
Ensure counselling rooms kept stocked Other duties as requested to facilitate the smooth running of the counselling process
To provide specialised counselling to clients presenting with a history of sexual assault, family violence, protective concerns or families in crisis or at risk •
Work inline with Windermere’s organisational expectations and directives in relation to policies and procedures and the agencies mission, vision and values.
Facilitate groups as negotiated with Assistant Manager – note some may be after hours – up to a maximum of 1 per term Oversee counselling rooms being checked on weekly basis and restocked This may include backfill of intake / single session counselling in emergencies To be negotiated with Assistant Manager – dependent on capacity and group work being undertaken
•
To familarise yourself with and adhere to Windermere’s Policies and Procedures, including the Code of Conduct, Human Resources policies and guidelines and Occupational Health and Safety obligations
•
Ensure policies, procedures and codes are complied with at all times.
•
A dedication and commitment to work in accordance with Windermere’s values and behaviours.
•
As outlined in the Code of Conduct ensure all interactions are undertaken in accordance with the behaviours set
•
Work within the Windermere Wellbeing Framework in accordance with the principles of Appreciative Inquiry and the Strengths Based Approach.
•
Completion of induction programs within set timeframes.
•
Contribute to or participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities of the agency, and will implement CQI strategies into their work practices
•
Ensure work practices comply with Windermere’s Continuous Quality Improvement principles.
•
Meet the challenges of change as it occurs within the service and agency.
•
To positively embrace and adopt change as it occurs.
•
To attend or complete foundation and position specific training courses set by the agency and attend or complete discretionary training as approved by the supervisor
•
To ensure arrangements are made so that 100% of courses are attended or completed.
•
To actively assess, manage and where possible mitigate workplace risk including (OH+S), consumer related risk, reputation risk and personal risk.
•
To report risk to the appropriate Windermere personnel and utilise current risk management tools and procedures available.
•
Protect the rights, safety and wellbeing of children and provide a child safe environment
Page 7 © Windermere 27/06/2016, 5:09 PM N:\Corporate Business\Human Resources\General\Position Description\Family Health and Wellbeing\Counselling\Senior Counsellor June 2016.docx
The employee will be expected to perform other duties outside those set in the position description as directed from time to time which are within the employee’s skill, qualification, experience and competence level to meet the agencies operational needs. The Position Description may be amended from time to time at the agency’s discretion. Where there is inconsistency between KPI’s in this Position Description and those within the Agency Objectives, the Agency Objectives will stand.
4. JUDGEMENT & DECISION MAKING The incumbent is expected to work with direct supervision and receives limited direction in the day to day functioning of their program. It is expected that objective judgements be shown in all decision-making processes with reference to Windermere’s policy and procedure manuals. • • •
Day to day decisions will be expected to ensure the adequate supervision and safety of staff and clients involved in this program. Problem solving, within area of expertise, and decisive actions will often be needed. Guidance and advice in relations to difficult matters will be available within an appropriate time frame from the Manager or Director.
5. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS You will have a unique blend of: Sector expertise and strengths based practice; a sound understanding of integrated service models; proven skills in people leadership; significant and demonstrated experience in service delivery and compliance; as well as knowledge of basic financial reporting requirements. As a leader, you will coach and mentor staff while providing day to day operational support to the direction of Counselling Services Your collaborative leadership approach and excellent communication skills will ensure you build strong alliances that support and promote the organisation. Your ability to think critically and provide innovative solutions will support program and systems development. Cultural competence and your ability to manage relationships and build effective professional networks will be key. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Empathy with, and the ability to gain co-operation and assistance from a range of people, in particular clients and other staff members • Ability to discuss and resolve problems • Tact and discretion • Self-confident and able to set appropriate personal boundaries • Mediation and conflict resolution skills • Ability to work as part of a team at all levels of the agency
Page 8 © Windermere 27/06/2016, 5:09 PM N:\Corporate Business\Human Resources\General\Position Description\Family Health and Wellbeing\Counselling\Senior Counsellor June 2016.docx
6. ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS LINE MANAGER:
Assistant Manager Counselling Services
SUPERVISES:
Counselling and Intake and Administration Staff
INTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:
All Windermere staff and volunteers
EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS
Relevant networks, peers, consumers and other stakeholders
7. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA Knowledge, Skills and Experience: Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work or similar discipline Post Graduate qualifications in Social Work, Psychology Social Science or another related discipline, or working towards/ willing to work towards same will be highly regarded Experience supervising and leading staff Stakeholder and change management skills, evidenced by achievement of positive outcomes and positive team culture Proven ability to implement and evaluate systems, policies and processes that support innovative service delivery Commitment to measuring outcomes and solutions focused approaches
Page 9 Š Windermere 27/06/2016, 5:09 PM N:\Corporate Business\Human Resources\General\Position Description\Family Health and Wellbeing\Counselling\Senior Counsellor June 2016.docx
Skilled in: Established skills in the delivery of strengths-based, family-centred and child-focussed approaches to counselling particularly in the area of Family Violence and Sexual Assault; Demonstrated compliance with relevant legislation and guidelines relating to the delivery of Services Personal Qualities: A connection with and ability to advocate and work in accordance with Windermere’s vision, values and philosophy Results orientated Adaptable, flexible and resilient Demonstrated confidence and able to take initiative Ability to facilitate critical reflection on practice General Current Victorian Drivers License Ability to use a computer and all relevant technology Willingness to undertake a Police Check and Working with Children Check
8. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Terms and conditions of employment are in accordance with the Employment Agreement and Windermere Child and Family Services policies and procedures. Pre-Employment Disclosure - All appointments are subject to the candidate completing a Pre-Employment Disclosure Form regarding pre-existing illnesses or conditions that may affect their ability to perform the inherent requirements of the position and consideration of the completed form by Windermere. Medical Examination - All appointments are subject to the satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination at Narre Warren Medical Centre at Windermere’s expense. Windermere will be advised by the medical practitioner whether the individual is fit to perform the role. Any medical opinion obtained by Windermere in respect of an unsuccessful candidate will be destroyed at the end of the selection process. In the case of an appointee, the medical opinion obtained will be stored in a secure location. Probation Period - The first three (3) months of your employment is a probationary period in which either of the partied may terminate your employment on 1 day’s notice in writing to the other party. At any time during, or at the end of the three month probationary period, the Employer may advise you as to whether and/or on what basis your employment will continue beyond the initial probationary period. A qualifying period of six (6) months applies to your employment. After the 3 month probationary period is completed, one weeks notice is required by either party upon termination in the final 3 months of the qualifying period. Police Record Check - All appointments are subject to a clear National Police Record Check. Working with Children Check – All appointments (dependant on position responsibilities) are subject to a clear Working with Children Check. The appointee is required to provide details of the Working with Children Check to Human Resources. Page 10 © Windermere 27/06/2016, 5:09 PM N:\Corporate Business\Human Resources\General\Position Description\Family Health and Wellbeing\Counselling\Senior Counsellor June 2016.docx
Occupational Health & Safety – To adhere to OH&S policies, procedures and guidelines and use all the necessary safety equipment provided and to report any defect in any such equipment or workplace hazards as soon as it comes to your attention. Smoke free environment - Windermere is a smoke free working environment. Place of Employment - You may be required to report for duties and work from any of Windermere’s work locations throughout the service region. Qualifications - The successful applicant will be required to substantiate formal qualifications.
9. WORK AND FAMILY BALANCE Windermere understands the importance of promoting a family friendly working environment and promotes work-life balance by offering provisions that foster a culture of flexibility, support and wellbeing.
Page 11 © Windermere 27/06/2016, 5:09 PM N:\Corporate Business\Human Resources\General\Position Description\Family Health and Wellbeing\Counselling\Senior Counsellor June 2016.docx
The position may require some work outside of Windermere’s ordinary operating hours from time to time. Windermere is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. Where possible, Windermere will examine ways to reasonably modify work practices to accommodate the successful applicants.
10. APPLICATION DETAILS To maximise your opportunity for employment, it is recommended that you provide the following information: • • •
Covering application letter (quoting Job Reference number below) Statements addressing the key selection criteria required in the position description Current Resume that includes a minimum of 2-3 referees
The personal information that you have provided in your job application and curriculum vitae will be used for the purposes of assessing your application, and will be treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which is available at www.windermere.org.au, or by request to us. If you are unsuccessful in securing a position with Windermere at this time, we will hold your application for 3 months, after which time it will be securely destroyed. Windermere conducts thorough and detailed reference checks for short listed candidates. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide copies of relevant qualifications at interview. Under Victorian Workcover legislation, it is the successful applicant’s duty to advise Windermere of any preexisting condition, which could be aggravated by the type of employment they are applying for. Failure to do so will seriously jeopardize any entitlement the employee might have for a work related aggravation of that non-disclosed pre existing condition.
Page 12 © Windermere 27/06/2016, 5:09 PM N:\Corporate Business\Human Resources\General\Position Description\Family Health and Wellbeing\Counselling\Senior Counsellor June 2016.docx
Closing Date:
COB Friday 22 July 2016
For further information about Windermere, please visit www.windermere.org.au Please send your application to: Email: opportunities@windermere.org.au Quote in the subject line of email: “Job Reference 0008COU” Alternatively you may wish to post your application to: Windermere Child & Family Services 48 Webb Street, Narre Warren Vic 3805 I have read this document and agree to undertake the duties and responsibilities listed above. I acknowledge that: •
• •
The PD is an indication of the duties and responsibilities that I may be required to undertake. Additional or other duties and responsibilities may be allocated to me. Where additional training and support is required to fulfil extra or other duties of a similar level of responsibility, it will be provided within the guidelines of Windermere’s Training and Development policy. The PD will be reviewed regularly in consultation with me. The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), where included in this document, are indicative. KPIs will be set by the immediate supervisor in discussion with me, for each year (or another set period) and my performance reviewed against those KPIs.
Occupant: Name:
_________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________
Date:
________________________
Page 13 © Windermere 27/06/2016, 5:09 PM N:\Corporate Business\Human Resources\General\Position Description\Family Health and Wellbeing\Counselling\Senior Counsellor June 2016.docx