17 July 2024
The Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) has agreed to recognised PACFA registration as a qualification for employment. This recognition opens up new opportunities for PACFA-registered counsellors within the DVA. The DVA employs more than 500 people in counselling-related roles nationally.
The development is the result of the advocacy of PACFA. In response to emails from PACFA members highlighting the issue, PACFA CEO Johanna de Wever met with DVA leaders to explain PACFA’s standards for registration and focus on quality assurance. DVA were pleased to understand PACFA’s role in setting the highest standards for registration for counsellors and psychotherapists.
PACFA received grateful emails for members who noticed the DVA’s change. ‘Thank you sincerely for your advocacy and support in bringing about this outcome,’ one wrote.
‘PACFA is optimistic about the opportunities this recognition brings and remain committed to advocating for our members' qualifications across various sectors,’ said Johanna de Wever.
PACFA registrants can now confidently apply for roles such as clinical counsellors, case managers, rehabilitation consultants and mental health advisors at the DVA. For more information on job opportunities with the DVA, please visit their website.