Adolescent & Family Counsellor

Type: Full-time 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Location: Townsville, North & Far North QLD

Remuneration:Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (Level 5) + full salary packaging options available up to $15,900 per annum

About Us:

Originally named The Wayside Foundation, The Ted Noffs Foundation was established in 1970 by the Australian humanitarian, Reverend Ted Noffs, who's work championed social justice, mental health support, and innovative youth services. Today, the Foundation continues his legacy, delivering frontline services and community support across NSW, ACT & QLD. With over 200 staff and 350 volunteers, we remain deeply committed to helping young people affected by issues related to drugs, crime, and mental health.

The Role:

Noffs is looking for a dynamic and compassionate Adolescent and Family Counsellor as an essential part of our new service. This role will rotate between our Townsville premises and our outreach partner organisations. Some Queensland-based, fly-in and fly-out (FIFO) services will be a requirement at times.

This new program is a multifaceted model designed to deliver intensive engagement, treatment, supervision, and assertive outreach aimed at reducing recidivism rates after detention. Intensive support services are provided for young people experiencing drug and alcohol issues during their time in detention, and these supports extend into the community for a further 12 months. Youth can access evidence-based counselling to help them reduce drug use, improve mental health, and decrease involvement in crime.

Responsibilities and duties include:

• Conduct thorough assessments (and follow-ups) of clients and provide individual counselling as required.
• Provide family and other relationship counselling as required.
• Develop & maintain relationships with services, community organisations and stakeholders.
• Liaise effectively with referrers, other service providers and families to ensure best service for the client.
• Create and manage effective pathways for clients to access the service.
• Arrange community networking for a young person to encourage positive interactions in a safe and supportive environment.
• Maintain client & statistical records and provide reports as required.
• Travel within the catchment areas providing AOD counselling services including FIFO services as required for young people in regional areas.

Case Work Support and Treatment Planning:

• Provide case management services for young people as appropriate.
• Carry out planning, case formulation, implementation, and review with the client, family, and other key persons including the service manager
• Ensure the best service for the client so that clients are engaged in their treatment and feel supported.

Essential Selection Criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualifications e.g. psychology or counselling.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to work with young people between the ages of years old.
• Experience in conducting clinical assessments, developing treatment plans, providing effective and compassionate individual counselling, delivering appropriate clinical interventions, and communicating clearly within a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of and commitment to a Therapeutic Community model.
• Ability to work effectively as both a team member and a practitioner with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong personal and interpersonal boundaries.
• Commitment to the principles of harm minimisation and to the aims of the Ted Noffs Foundation.
• Must have a current and valid QLD Blue Card and Drivers Licence.

Desirable Selection Criteria

• Experience in the drug and alcohol sector.
• Registration or eligible for membership with AHPRA, PACFA or other professional association.
• Minimum 2 years direct counselling experience.

If you're looking for work that's real, challenging, and genuinely makes a difference—you've found the right place. At Noffs, we stand beside young people who've faced adversity early in life, offering free, evidence-based treatment and genuine care. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and walk alongside these young people on their journey, we'd love to hear from you.

How To Apply

Submit your application via SEEK with a Resume and a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria.

The Ted Noffs Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunity and embraces diversity and inclusion within its workforce. As such, people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This includes, but is not limited to First Nations People, People with Disability, Women and People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.

As interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, applicants are encouraged to apply at the earliest point and will be highly regarded. Interviews may be offered upon application.

Please note only successful applicants will be contacted.

For further information, contact us