Complex Trauma Practitioner (Redress in Community)

• Part time (0.8FTE), contract till 30 June 2026 (SCHADS 5)
• Do you want the opportunity to work for justice, choice and self-determination for people who have experienced complex trauma?
• First Nations People, LGBTIQA+ people, people with disability, people of colour, public housing residents or people with a lived experience are encouraged to apply
• Drummond Street Services is committed to child safety and strictly adheres to the Reportable Conduct Scheme for organisations. The safeguarding and wellbeing of our clients is our core focus. All staff must undergo thorough recruitment process including screening and providing evidence of current Working With Children Check and National Police Check.

About Drummond Street Services

Drummond Street is a not-for-profit, non-denominational agency with over 130 years of experience delivering innovative services that strengthen families and communities. We focus on evidence-based and informed practice across prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery, providing both universal and targeted support.

We have a strong history of supporting survivors, including those who shared their experiences with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. We continue to assist survivors seeking justice through the National Redress Scheme and our dedicated Redress Counselling and Psychological Care Service.

Following years of advocacy by people with disabilities, the Commonwealth Government established the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability in 2019. Drummond Street supported people with disabilities to share their stories, helping to inform governments, institutions, and the wider community on preventing and better protecting people with disabilities from harm.

Our Complex Trauma Service provides state-wide, trauma-informed counselling, casework, and advocacy. These client-focused services support survivors, their families, carers, support workers, and advocates. We offer a flexible, compassionate, respectful, and empowering model of care aimed at meeting individual needs and driving systemic change.

Our employment policy actively engages people facing access barriers, marginalisation, or discrimination, prioritising First Nations people, people of colour, those identifying as LGBTIQA+, and residents of public housing.

Under the Complex Trauma Service, our free and independent Redress Support Service (RSS) supports survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and their loved ones. We assist survivors in safely completing applications to the National Redress Scheme (NRS) and provide counselling as part of successful outcomes. We also support applicants to the Victorian Redress Scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse (VRS).

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Complex Trauma Practitioner to become part of the team on a part-time contract basis until the 30 June 2026.

Reporting to the Manager, Complex Trauma, you will play a key role in helping survivors write and submit their applications to the NRS and VRS. You will be part of a multidisciplinary complex trauma-informed team known for its delivery of high quality, client-led counselling, case work and advocacy services. At times, you will be required to work in collaboration with your team members and other Drummond Street programs to promote the safety and stability of your clients and their families.

This role is based in Carlton, with occasional travel in metropolitan Melbourne and to regional Victoria required.

About You

You are a skilled counselling practitioner with complex trauma experience and some experience in case work. You are looking to become part of a team committed to social justice and intersectionality. You can share and build knowledge to support complex trauma responsive practice that centres the voice of survivors who may also be people with disabilities, who have experiences of trauma due to violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Key Selection Criteria: Essential

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field (i.e., Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health and Counselling) plus additional training and experience related to delivery of trauma informed counselling services for people who experience complex trauma.
• Accreditation with a relevant professional body.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in the counselling, family services and/or mental health sectors.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and people with disability.
• Demonstrated knowledge of complex trauma and healing and recovery approaches to intervention.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of a range of therapeutic approaches for individuals, couples, and/or families.
• Demonstrated genuine interest and commitment to collaborating with LGBTIQA+, First Nation, and people of colour in a way that is affirming.
• Must be available to work Tuesday 11-7pm.

Please review the position description which outlines the full list of responsibilities and key selection criteria via our website ds.org.au

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience with providing interventions that support individuals and families with multiple and complex needs such as experiencing barriers to the NDIS, or DSP, complex communication, mental health, family violence and drug and alcohol issues.
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and health promotion.
• We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. This includes, but is not limited to, people from LGBTIQA+ communities, First Nations people, people of colour, public housing residents, and people with lived experience of disability. Drummond Street is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and values the unique contributions that each individual brings.

Application process

• Applications close at midnight on Sunday 24 August
• All applications will be directed to our careers portal – Complex Trauma Practitioner (Redress in Community)
• All applicants must include a resume and with a cover letter addressing all the key selection criteria for the position
• Applicants shortlisted for an interview will be required to provide evidence of their qualifications during the interview process

Please contact Vicki Khouri on 03 9663 6733 orvicki.khouri@ds.org.auto discuss your application