Youth Suicide Counsellor

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia’s community services sector. Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA’s biggest Peer support workforces. Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated and embraced.

By choosing to work with us, you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.

About the Role

The Samaritans WA, Ruah Community Services and Telethon Kids Institute have partnered to open an early-intervention, residential, short-stay service for young people aged 16-24 years who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

The Youth Suicide Counsellor position is at the forefront of the organisation in providing support interventions for young people with thoughts of suicide. Youth Suicide Counsellor(s) works closely with the Clinical Team Lead, Intentional Peer Workers and Support Counsellors (volunteers). The Youth Suicide Counsellor serves as an advocate for young people to meet wider social, health and well-being needs. This role is responsible for undertaking tasks around the provision of therapeutic counselling support, suicide risk assessments and safety planning, case management, documentation, referrals, and liaising with relevant services and stakeholders.

This is a casual shift worker position. Applicants must be available to take part in shift-work within a 24/7 service, including weekend and weekday morning shifts, day shifts and active night shifts.

What we’re looking for

The successful applicants will be required to meet the following criteria:

• Experience (ideally in a mental health service) working with young people with complex co-occurring challenges/needs (trauma, suicidal ideation, mental health diagnoses etc).
• Availability to take part in shift-work within a 24/7 service, including weekend and weekday morning shifts, day shifts and awake night shifts.
• Personal goal planning skills that contribute to the achievement of young person goals.
• Skills in reflective practice and highly developed report writing using analytical reasoning.
• Ability to support, mentor and work alongside supporting staff members.
• Advanced computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and client reporting system.
• Ability to engage and maintain professional relationships with young people, and their wider formal and informal supports, with multiple needs and challenges.
• Demonstrated understanding of unique issues facing young people with suicidal thoughts.
• Willingness and ability to work within and contribute to the vision, mission, core values and the guiding principles of the organisation.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of diversity and social inclusion- including gender, sexuality, disability, cultural, age, and linguistic diversity and Aboriginal culture.

The following qualifications are considered desirable, but not essential:

• Undergraduate or post-graduate qualification in an allied health field (including counselling/psychotherapy, social work, psychology, occupational therapy, mental health nursing).
• Eligibility for registration with an appropriate professional body (PACFA, ACA, AASW, AHPRA etc).

What do we offer?

• A salary aligned with Level 4 of the Ruah Enterprise Agreement (and the SCHADS Award), starting at $85,399 + superannuation.
• 5 weeks annual leave + annual leave loading of 17.5%
• 16 weeks paid parental leave, with flexibility to take at 32 weeks half-pay (uniquely, new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months’ service). 
• Free, independent and confidential access for you and your direct family to our Employee Assistance Program.
• Free Ruah-paid Journey Cover (insurance for when you're getting to and from work).
• Incredibly valuable Salary Packaging (to extend your take home pay) with:
• up to $15,900 core packaging
• an additional $2,650 in meal entertainment packaging
• benefits for salary packaging travel, accommodation, parking fees, education expenses and more!
• Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups, joining us at Pride events, being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much, much more! 

Required compliance documents:

• Current WA drivers’ license
• National Police Clearance Certificate
• WA Working with Children Check
• Provide First Aid Certificate

How to apply 

We’d love to hear from you!

Please click apply, create your LiveHire profile, and submit your current CV along with a cover letter of no more than two pages, helping us understand your fit for this role.

Closing date for applications: 4pm Friday 21 February 2025.

If the suitable candidates are successful prior to this date, the ad will close early. Ruah may extend the application period if required.

For further information or a confidential discussion about the position please contact Kirsten Panton, Team Lead, via email on kirsten.panton@ruah.org.au.

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right. 

Ruah has a zero tolerance against child abuse and are committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, and their right to feel safe and be safe across all areas of our organisation.

Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.