The aim of the position is to provide a counseling service for same sex attracted women, lesbians, bisexual women and queer women. Provide telephone counseling, including to out of area clients.

LISMORE & DISTRICT WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRE INC
LESBIAN COUNSELLOR- POSITION DESCRIPTION

Date - October 2008

Area - Lismore and surrounding districts for face to face counseling, NSW for telephone services

Accountable to - The Council of Women via the Manager

Hours of employment - Minimum of 3 sessions per week up to 7 hours per week, dependant on bookings and available funding

Conditions - Casual Salary & Conditions: as per SACS Award

Aim of the position - To provide a counseling service for same sex attracted women, lesbians, bisexual women and queer women. Provide telephone counseling, including to out of area clients.

Essential Qualifications - Appropriate tertiary qualifications in counselling or a related area (eg Psychology, Social Science or Social Work)

Essential criteria

• Demonstrated experience providing a counseling service
• Current knowledge and experience in issues which affect same sex attracted women, including couples counselling
• Demonstrated commitment to working from a feminist perspective
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to document accurate client data and client file notes
• Demonstrated knowledge/experience in telephone counseling

Desirable:

• Experience working in the area of relationships, domestic violence and sexual abuse
• Knowledge of on line counseling services and a willingness to undertake training to provide this mode of service delivery


LESBIAN COUNSELLOR DUTY STATEMENT

1 - Counselling

1.1 Asses and provide intake and referral for women presenting for counseling as per LDWHC counseling Policy & Procedures
1.2 Provide a short term ( up to 8 sessions) counseling service to women, based on an eclectic feminist model covering a range of mental health issues
1.3 Provide telephone counseling for women with the possibility of on line counseling in the future
1.4 Maintain a high standard of counseling practice, work ethic and confidentiality.
1.5 Maintain a high standard of documentation for client health records and client progress notes.
1.6 Maintain accurate and current client statistical data
1.6 Provide court reports, support letters for clients as contracted.
1.7 Maintain current knowledge of community resources and referral networks.
1.8 Attend regular clinical supervision and supervision with the Manager

2 - Service Development

2.1 Contribute to the possible expansion of the service in consultation with the Manager.
2.2 Develop or access appropriate resources for use with clients as needed.

3 - Team work

3.1 Attend team meetings or strategic planning sessions when directed by the Manager and when possible
3.2 Contribute to the centre’s decision making processes.
3.3 Work in a multi-disciplinary team from a feminist perspective.
3.4 Participate in and contribute to quality assurance processes.

4 - Occupational Health and Safety

4.1 Contribute to the maintenance of a safe work environment.
4.2 Report hazards

5 - Accountability

5.1 Provide monthly written reports and annual reports