Sexual Assault Counsellor

Applications are sought for Counsellors in Laurel Place’s sexual assault adult counselling program.

​​Gympie Office

4 days (30.4hrs) per week for 12 months

SCHADS Award Level 5

Salary Sacrifice available

Applications close 9am Monday 22nd September 2025

This position for a Sexual Assault Counsellor at our Gympie office to support women, men, and young people, aged 12 years and older, who have been impacted by recent or past sexual violence, as well as their non-offending supporters/carers. The role will provide a range of both in-person and telehealth, trauma-informed therapeutic intervention and support. Travel to other Laurel Place offices will be required at times and may also include outreach services where demand requires this option. The positions are subject to the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period and ongoing funding from the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services, and Child Safety.

Possibility of contract extension (at reduced hours) may be available, subject to funding. ​

Organisational Environment:

Laurel Place Inc. is funded by The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services & Child Safety. Laurel Place is governed by a Board drawn from the local community. The service employs over 50 staff across four programs and four locations in Maroochydore, Gympie, Murgon as well as Moreton Bay

The service provides a range of options to women, men, children, young people, families and the community that work towards reducing the impact and incidence of sexual violence in the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, South Burnett, and Moreton Bay Regions. Laurel Place also operates Women’s Space from the Maroochydore location which provides support to women who have experienced all forms of gendered violence. The service also focuses on providing education, information and resources to the target groups and wider community.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

-

Provide trauma-informed, culturally sensitive therapeutic counselling and support as well as crisis intervention when required to women and men, aged 12 years and older, who have experienced recent or historical sexual assault.

Complete comprehensive, trauma informed initial intake and assessments to clients aged 12 years and over, in person, remotely (via telephone and video) and outreach including risk assessments (sexual assault, child safety, DFV and suicide).

Provide therapeutic support to clients engaging in reporting and legal processes, and where appropriate, support clients to access relevant medical and forensic services, providing practical support as required.

Provide brief intervention and support to non-offending supporters of people who have experienced recent sexual assault.

Work collaboratively with community, sector partners and other relevant agencies and stakeholders, including Queensland Police Service to improve outcomes for survivors of sexual violence.

Ensure the collection of statistical data is accurate and relevant and report same to the Team Leader.

Participate in training, case planning/review and regular supervision.

Work collaboratively with other members of the Laurel Place Team including the First Response, Adult Programs, Child and Family, Women’s Space, and Business Services Teams, to help foster and support an organisational wide team spirit and achieve improved outcome for clients.

​​​​

All Service Staff Duties:

Work within the vision statement, values, and philosophy of Laurel Place Inc.;

Ensure the maintenance of client confidentiality including keeping confidential client records;

Participate in annual staff appraisals/assessments;

Participate in ongoing professional development and training;

Participate in annual and other planning sessions to develop a strategic response to sexual violence;

Support a culture of transparency and accountability within the service; and,

Perform any other reasonable tasks at the request of the leadership team.

​​​

Selection Criteria: (Required)

1.

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or similar, and experience in the field of sexual violence or similar. 2.

Demonstrated understanding of the gendered nature of sexual violence and its impact at both an individual and societal level. 3.

Demonstrated experience providing trauma informed, therapeutic interventions and support to victim-survivors over the age of 12 and their non-offending family members, supporters and carers 4.

Well-developed skills in risk assessment, case formulation, and treatment planning. 5.

Demonstrated (or ability to acquire) knowledge of forensic, reporting, and legal processes associated with sexual violence offences. 6.

Demonstrated ability in providing sensitive and appropriate therapeutic interventions to people from diverse background including Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, and gender diverse people. 7.

High level skills and demonstrated experience and ability to establish collaborative relationships with key stakeholders to ensure best outcomes for clients. 8.

Highly developed inter-personal and written communication skills. 9.

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Desirable/Able to Develop:

Demonstrated ability to develop and co-facilitate a range of therapeutic and educational group programs including community education.

Essential:

Must possess (or be eligible for) a working with children check – Positive Notice Blue Card

Current Open Qld Driver’s Licence

Eligibility to work in Australia

​

If you feel you are the right person for this position and would like to work within an organisation that values their staff, please forward your completed application (CV, Cover Letter and Addressed Selection Criteria) to: admin@laurelplace.com.au

​

Applications close9am Monday 22nd September 2025.