Counsellor - First Nations People Specialist (Australia)

The Counsellor - First Nations People Specialist at Intellect is responsible for providing individual telehealth sessions, focusing on a diverse range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, and more. The role involves collaborating with other clinical team members to suggest improvements to the program and actively participating in the mental health coaching for our clients.

To apply for the Counsellor - First Nations People Specialist position at Intellect, candidates must have a Master’s degree or a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling or Clinical Psychology. Additionally, they should possess at least 300 clinical hours post-master degree and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

While prior experience in telehealth is not a strict requirement for the Counsellor - First Nations People Specialist position at Intellect, candidates who have worked in such environments may have an advantage due to their familiarity with conducting sessions remotely, as well as understanding the unique needs of clients in virtual settings.

Counsellors applying for the position at Intellect should be skilled in evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. These skills are crucial for effectively addressing the diverse needs of clients.

The role of Counsellor - First Nations People Specialist at Intellect offers significant flexibility. Practitioners can set their own business hours, making it an ideal opportunity for professionals looking to balance personal and professional commitments while providing vital mental health support.

When answering this question, focus on your passion for supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and your commitment to mental health. Consider discussing how Intellect’s values align with your professional aspirations and your desire to make a positive impact on clients’ lives.

Share specific examples of your experience with approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Motivational Interviewing. Discuss how you have applied these methods in clinical settings, the outcomes you’ve observed, and how this aligns with your practice as a Counsellor.

In your response, emphasize your problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. Discuss strategies you use to de-escalate difficult situations and maintain a supportive environment, ensuring clients feel heard and understood during challenging moments.

Discuss the importance of cultural awareness in your practice. Highlight strategies you incorporate, such as continuous learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, actively involving clients in their care plans, and seeking feedback to improve your approach.

Provide a compelling example showcasing your teamwork and communication skills. Detail your role in the collaboration, the goals of the project, and the positive outcomes that resulted from effective teamwork.

Share any relevant experiences you have in conducting counselling remotely, discussing how you navigate the unique challenges it presents. Highlight your comfort with technology and any adaptations you’ve made to engage clients over digital platforms.

Explain your commitment to continuing education, mention resources such as webinars, professional journals, and memberships in relevant organizations. Discuss how you implement newfound knowledge into your practice to improve client care.

Share your self-care routine, emphasizing its importance for sustainability in your practice. Discuss activities that help you recharge physically and mentally and how they enable you to provide better support to your clients.

Highlight your techniques for establishing trust quickly during the first few sessions, such as using active listening skills, showing empathy, and being transparent about the counselling process to create a comfortable space for the client.

Reflect on your aspirations beyond the Counsellor - First Nations People Specialist role at Intellect. Discuss your desire to grow within the mental health field, possibly considering further specialization or leadership roles in future.