Complex Trauma Practitioner (Redress in Community and Corrections)

• Part time (0.6FTE), 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 Services (DS) is a not-for-profit, non-denominational organisation with over 130 years’ experience delivering innovative, evidence-informed services that strengthen families and communities. We work across the spectrum of prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery, providing both universal and targeted support.

We have a long-standing commitment to supporting survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. We played a key role in supporting survivors to share their stories with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and we continue this work today through the National Redress Scheme and our Redress Counselling and Psychological Care Service.

We also proudly supported people with disabilities to share their experiences with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. This work continues as we advocate for systemic change and better protections.

Our Complex Trauma Service delivers state-wide, trauma-informed counselling, casework, and advocacy. Our approach is accessible, client-led, and holistic, meeting the needs of survivors, their families, carers, support workers, and advocates. We offer flexible, respectful, and empowering support that addresses individual needs while contributing to broader systems advocacy.

Drummond Street is deeply committed to equity in employment. We actively encourage and prioritise applicants from communities that face structural barriers to employment, including First Nations people, people of colour, public housing residents, people with disability, and people from LGBTIQA+ communities.

Our Redress Support Service (RSS), part of the Complex Trauma Service, provides free and independent support to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. We assist individuals to safely navigate the National Redress Scheme (NRS), the Victorian Redress Scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse (VRS), and provide counselling as part of successful outcomes.

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. Additionally, you will be expected to assertively engage the community to drive awareness of the RSS to drive referrals for people who are incarcerated, as well as support people in custody with their applications within their correctional facilities.

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 11am-7pm.

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

Desirable

• Experience working within the criminal justice system.
• 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