Specialist Youth Counsellor (SR0097)

Brief Description

Full-time opportunity based in Marrickville, NSW Salary packaging, gifted leave at Christmas and Easter Competitive above-award salary, SCHADS Level 6 + super

About The Role

The Specialist Youth Counsellor plays a critical role in supporting the mental health, safety and wellbeing of young people aged 12 to 24 who have experienced violence, abuse, discrimination or other traumatic experiences. The role provides specialist counselling and therapeutic support to young people impacted by domestic and family violence, childhood sexual abuse and sexual violence, while also supporting recovery, resilience and long-term wellbeing.

Working within a collaborative and multidisciplinary team, you will deliver trauma-informed counselling, complete assessments, engage with families and support people, and contribute to therapeutic group programs that promote healing, safety and connection. Practice is underpinned by person-centred, trauma-informed and inclusive approaches that recognise and value the diverse experiences of young people and their families.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people while working within an experienced and supportive clinical environment.

Key Responsibilities

Provide specialist counselling and therapeutic interventions for young people impacted by trauma and sexual violenceConduct trauma-informed assessments and contribute to timely service access and waitlist managementEngage parents, carers and support people to strengthen outcomes for young peopleCo-facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational group programs for young people and familiesWork collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to support integrated service deliveryMaintain accurate client records, case notes and reporting requirementsParticipate in regular clinical supervision, reflective practice and professional developmentUphold cultural sensitivity, ethical practice and child safety requirementsContribute to a positive, collaborative and high-performing team cultureBuild and maintain strong relationships with referral partners and community stakeholders

About You

Tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling or a related disciplineEligibility for, or membership with, a relevant professional association (where applicable)Experience providing counselling or therapeutic support to young people with complex needsDemonstrated understanding of trauma, complex trauma and trauma-specific interventionsKnowledge of child protection and mandatory reporting requirementsExperience supporting young people impacted by sexual violence, family violence and/or adversityCommitment to person-centred, anti-oppressive, culturally competent, neuro-affirming and LGBTIQA+ affirming practiceExcellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skillsConfidence facilitating therapeutic or psychoeducational groups with young people and/or parentsAbility to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary teamCommitment to reflective practice, continuous learning and clinical supervision

Benefits

Salary packaging – up to $15,900 in tax-free pay per yearAdditional salary packaging benefits available for meals and entertainment4 days gifted leave at Christmas and Easter (pro rata)Up to 100 hours of paid study leave (where relevant to role)Hybrid working opportunities where operationally appropriate12 weeks paid parental leave (primary carer)Additional leave through purchase leave pathwaysEmployee Assistance Program, a free and confidential counselling serviceEligible for participation in the portable long service leave program

About Us

Our 2023-2027 strategy outlines the world we want to see and our role in advancing it. We aspire for all women, girls, and families to be safe, well, strong, and connected. We strive for equity, dignity and social justice for women, girls and families by collaborating globally and acting locally, supporting our communities in Australia and New Zealand to thrive.

We want women, girls and families to live full and dignified lives, have dignified income and enjoy financial wellbeing. We aim to provide place-based, people-centred, holistic services while working at the system level to achieve bold and audacious reform. We currently offer microfinance programs and products, financial counselling and coaching, family and domestic violence support services, family and youth programs, playgroups, education programs and community houses. These services are complemented by research and strong advocacy to address the underlying structural causes of injustice, exclusion and inequality.

Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand (GSANZ) respects the dignity of all people, draws strength from, and celebrates the diversity of our community. At GSANZ, we strive for an inclusive culture where all identities feel safe and that they belong. We welcome and actively seek applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all sexual orientations and gender expressions and identities, people with disability, and culturally and racially marginalised people. Each person's individual decision regarding disclosure will be fully respected.

How To Apply

Please click 'Apply' to complete your application. Please upload your resume and a brief cover letter addressing the requirements of the role.

We recognise that applicants may hesitate to disclose their need for adjustments during recruitment due to concerns about discrimination. To address this, Good Shepherd asks all candidates about any required accommodations, with the intention of minimising any sense of exclusion or discomfort associated with requesting adjustments.

Good Shepherd believes in genuine inclusive practice and employment and will therefore offer job customisation to meet the varying needs of diverse candidates.

Personal data held by Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.

We recognise the rich diversity of people across Australia. We are committed to ensuring that our team is reflective of the diverse community we serve and to supporting a culture of equity, inclusion and diversity.

Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand is a Child Safe employer. Employment is subject to satisfactory referee checks, a current Employee Working with Children Check, National Criminal History Check and proof of the right to work in Australia.

Requirements

The Specialist Youth Counsellor role requires a qualified and experienced practitioner who can provide therapeutic support to young people aged 12-24 who have experienced trauma, violence, abuse, discrimination, or mental health challenges.

Essential Requirements

Tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, or a related discipline with eligibility for relevant professional registration.Minimum 2 years' post-qualification experience in counselling or therapeutic practice, including complex risk assessment and case management.Experience working in specialist areas such as sexual violence, trauma, neurodivergence, gender diversity, and mental health.Current Working With Children Check, National Police Check, and proof of the right to work in Australia.

Knowledge And Skills

Strong understanding of trauma theory, complex trauma, and trauma-specific interventions.Demonstrated experience providing counselling to young people who have experienced sexual violence, abuse, and mental health challenges.Knowledge of child protection and mandatory reporting requirements.Ability to engage and support parents, carers, and families as part of the therapeutic process.Confidence facilitating therapeutic and psychoeducational groups for young people and families.Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Practice Approach

Commitment to trauma-informed, person-centred, strengths-based, anti-oppressive, culturally safe, neuro-affirming, and LGBTIQA+ affirming practice.Ability to work collaboratively with young people, families, schools, and external service providers to achieve positive outcomes.Commitment to reflective practice, clinical supervision, ethical practice, and continuous professional development. [

Ideal Candidate Profile A compassionate and skilled counsellor who is passionate about supporting young people affected by trauma and adversity, values inclusion and social justice, and can build strong therapeutic relationships while working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Summary

Specialist Youth Counsellor

Marrickville, NSW |Part-time | SCHADS Level 6 + Super + Salary Packaging

Join Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Specialist Youth Counsellor to provide trauma-informed therapeutic support to young people aged 12 to 24 who have experienced domestic and family violence, childhood sexual abuse, sexual violence, discrimination, or other significant life challenges. This role works alongside young people, their families, and support networks to promote safety, healing, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

Working within a highly skilled and supportive clinical team, you will provide specialist counselling, undertake trauma-informed assessments, contribute to therapeutic group programs, and collaborate with schools, families, and community services to deliver integrated care. Practice is grounded in person-centred, inclusive, culturally safe, neuro-affirming, LGBTIQA+ affirming, and trauma-informed approaches.

About You

You will bring:

Qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, or a related discipline.Experience providing therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma, sexual violence, or mental health challenges.Strong knowledge of trauma theory and trauma-specific interventions.A commitment to inclusive, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive practice.Confidence working collaboratively with young people, families, and service providers.

Why Join Good Shepherd?

Meaningful work that creates lasting impact for young people and families.A supportive clinical environment with regular supervision and professional development.Collaborative team approach to the work.Salary packaging benefits.A values-driven organisation committed to social justice, inclusion, wellbeing, and innovation.

Be part of a team that empowers young people to recover, build resilience, strengthen relationships, and thrive.