The Mental Health Adviser (Counsellor) role forms part of a multidisciplinary mental health team within a correctional centre. The role contributes to community safety through the provision of mental health screening and triage, welfare assistance, intervention and approved programs to offenders.
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The primary accountabilities of the Mental Health Adviser (Counsellor) include:
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- Conduct mental health, disability, and suicide or self-harm risk screening of offenders, and record information.
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- Complete referrals as required to internal and external stakeholders.
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- Respond to offender requests for support in relation to welfare needs and collaborate with relevant internal and external stakeholders as required.
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- Deliver individual or group-based brief, skill acquisition focused interventions aimed at developing coping skills and building resilience.
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- Provide case management to individuals with presenting mental health, disability or other vulnerabilities using effective time management and prioritisation skills, including clinical and non-clinical responsibilities and the maintenance of accurate record and documentation.
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- Engage in evidence‐based practice relevant to the prevention of suicide and self‐harm behaviour.
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- Maintain own level of knowledge of contemporary offender rehabilitation research and practices, and legislation, policy and procedures in relation to offender management.
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- Participate in skilled supervision and development activities, including team meetings.
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- As a member of a multi-disciplinary unit, provide consultancy services to, and accept referrals from, other unit members including Psychologists/Mental Health Clinicians, Education Officers, Program Delivery Officers, and Custodial Correctional Officers.
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- Ensure maintenance, accuracy and appropriateness of records for appropriate authorities.
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- Ensure records and information data for the Integrated Offender Management system (IOMS) are accurate and current.
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- Ensure the safety and security of self and others and the security and confidentiality of QCS property and information.
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- Liaise and develop productive relationships with external service providers to optimise offender community integration consistent with the highest standards of community safety.
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- Provide advice to appropriate authorities regarding community re‐integration and parole processes.
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- Provide timely advice to offenders about available services and community expectations.
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- Maintain high level knowledge regarding services for offenders.
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The role description provides the minimum requirements for the role. The incumbent may be required to undertake other duties as required outside of these primary accountabilities.
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Please see the role description for the Mandatory requirements.