Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling is Australia’s leading provider of high-quality mental health assessment and clinical counselling services for Australian veterans and their families. We focus on meeting client needs through a combination of proven clinical practices, new and emerging evidence-based approaches. 

Outreach Program Coordinators (APS 6) work within the Open Arms Division of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), providing coordination and management of the Open Arms Outreach Provider Program inclusive of Outreach Program Clinicians, Group Program Facilitators, external Clinical Supervisors and partnership referrals.

Clinicians (APS 6) work within the Open Arms Division of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) providing counselling services to current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, their partners and families. They apply extensive knowledge and experience gained from a relevant background in psychology, social work, counselling, occupational therapy or nursing to build rapport with clients, understand their unique experiences and work with them to identify goals that will enhance mental health and wellbeing.

Duties

Please refer to Candidate Information Pack for a list of duties related to this role. This can be found at the link used to apply.

Eligibility

• Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).
• All applicants external to DVA offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
• The successful candidate will be required obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance.

Mandatory Requirements

• Currently hold or ability to obtain a Working with Vulnerable People registration OR
• Currently hold or ability to obtain a Working with Children check.

In addition to the above, one of the following:

• Qualifications as a registered Psychologist / Occupational Therapist / Registered Nurse with full AHPRA registration, OR
• Qualification as a Social Worker with membership of the Australian Association Social Workers (AASW) on commencement, OR
• A Masters-level counselling qualification and registration with PACFA as a Registered Clinical Counsellor or with ACA at Level 3 or Level 4.

Notes

This recruitment process is being used to fill ongoing and/or non-ongoing position/s. For more information about the role, please see the Candidate Information Pack.

Where a non-ongoing position is offered, the role will be filled for an initial specified term of up to 23 months. 

A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which may be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months.

Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

DVA embraces and fosters a culture that supports diversity, inclusion and respect, where people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as veterans and their family members.

DVA is committed to improving the data skills and capability of our workforce to underpin our goal of becoming a leading data-driven organisation.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability. This initiative/program is only applicable where the successful applicant will be employed under the Public Service Act 1999. Similar conditions may apply when employed under other Acts. For clarification please contact the agency.

This vacancy has been identified to participate in VetPaths. The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourage veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six-month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer supports. For more visit: https://www.dva.gov.au/vetpaths