The Counsellor, Staff Support Services is responsible for the coordination and administration of the QAS employee assistance program (‘Priority One’), which provides high quality programs and services to support the emotional and psychological wellbeing of QAS employees, volunteers and their families, in line with regulatory compliance and best practice mental health models.

The role provides support in the implementation of relevant policies and procedures; the facilitation and delivery of training programs and proactive and preventative interventions; and by engaging in relevant research and being available for consultation, counselling and the provision of critical incident intervention as required.

The Counsellor will also undertake other activities and projects which support the Executive Managers and Director, Staff Support Services.

Job details

We are seeking applicants who, within the context of the role responsibilities, possess the following key attributes:

• Thorough knowledge and demonstrated application of contemporary counselling and trauma management practices that can be applied in an emergency services environment, and with peer support programs and critical incident stress management within an employee assistance program.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the impact of psychological trauma and its sequelae, and of intervention and treatment strategies including the use of short-term counselling frameworks such as cognitive behaviour therapy or other evidence-based trauma treatment interventions.
• Sound knowledge of the various functions of the QAS and the practical implications of the ambulance service work environment and the ability to deliver effective education and training across a range of relevant psycho-social areas to support the emotional and psychological wellbeing of ambulance service personnel.
• Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills and the proven ability to liaise effectively and build productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including medical/para-medical professionals, mental health care specialists and clients.
• Demonstrated integrity and maturity to ensure sensitive, confidential matters are handled appropriately and diplomatically; a positive attitude in the face of challenging situations; persistence and resilience to achieve work goals; and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations and when dealing with difficult people.
• Proven ability to help build a cohesive and collaborative team, improve team capabilities and achieve team goals, and a demonstrated awareness of own strengths and development needs, the impact of own behaviour on others and openness to feedback and opportunities to develop new capabilities and skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing personal professional development, clinical supervision, maintaining knowledge of current research outcomes in psychosocial health and actively contributing to professional memberships and networks.

Mandatory/Special conditions/Other requirements

The following mandatory requirements, special conditions and/or other requirements apply to this role:

• Applicants must have a degree (minimum AQF level 7) and/or a postgraduate qualification in psychology, social work, social science or counselling from a recognised tertiary institution; or equivalent qualifications, as deemed appropriate by the Commissioner, QAS.
• Whilst not mandatory, current membership and/or accreditation with the relevant professional association would be highly desirable for this position.
• The successful applicant must possess a relevant qualification from an accredited tertiary institution and general registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) with a current annual practicing certificate.
• Whilst not mandatory, a masters-level qualification (or higher) in psychology would be well-regarded.
• While not mandatory, Psychology Board of Australia endorsement to supervise postgraduate students, provisional psychologists, and psychologists completing the registrar program would be well regarded.
• The incumbent will be required to travel on official business and the possession of a “C” Class Driver's Licence is required.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 689322 26 - Role Description (Word, 1,010KB)
  
  
  689322 26 - Applicant Information Kit (PDF, 355KB)