Counsellor Educator

About Us

Hope Community Services has been walking alongside West Australians for over 120 years, providing compassionate and practical support for people experiencing alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues, mental health challenges, and social disadvantage.

Our Hope Springs Therapeutic Community in Geraldton is a structured residential program supporting people to recover from substance use and rebuild their lives. At Hope Springs, we believe that recovery is possible and it begins with community, connection, and the right support.

About the Role

As a Counsellor Educator, you will be a key member of the Therapeutic Community team, delivering evidence-based counselling and education to residents. You'll conduct assessments, create personalised recovery plans, and facilitate both individual and group therapeutic sessions.

Your work will focus on empowering residents with the skills, insight, and support they need to build meaningful, independent lives. You'll be part of a community environment where every staff member contributes to a culture of safety, structure, and mutual respect.

This role blends therapeutic practice with day-to-day engagement in the community, supporting residents through their recovery journey.

What's on Offer

• $44.58 per hour + regional allowance + super
• Permanent, full-time role based in Walkaway, a 30 minute scenic drive from Geraldton WA
• Boost your take-home pay with generous salary packaging (up to $15,900)
• Work in a well-established Therapeutic Community alongside a passionate and supportive team
• Make a direct impact on people's recovery journeys
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• Organisational commitment to staff wellbeing and inclusive practice

You'll Need

Essential:

• Diploma or above in Counselling, Psychology, or related field
• Experience providing counselling and case management for people with complex needs
• Strong skills in assessment, personalised planning, and group facilitation
• Understanding of co-occurring AOD and mental health concerns
• Ability to build trust and work within a trauma-informed, culturally secure framework
• Experience working respectfully with Aboriginal people, families, and communities
• Clear written and verbal communication, including documentation and client record keeping
• Commitment to ethical practice, professional boundaries, and confidentiality
• Digital literacy, including use of client management systems
• Current First Aid, CPR, and Mental Health First Aid (or willingness to obtain)
• Valid WA Driver's Licence, National Police Clearance (within 3 months), and Working with Children Check

Desirable:

• Experience in the AOD or mental health sector
• Understanding of Therapeutic Communities or 'Community as Method'
• Experience facilitating life skills, education, or structured therapeutic group programs
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and harm-reduction approaches

Next Steps

Submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria. Applications will be reviewed, and suitable candidates will be contacted for a phone call followed by a virtual interview.

HOPE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those with lived experience of recovery.