Centacare FNQ Counsellor

Make a difference where it matters most.

Centacare FNQ and Catholic Early Learning & Care (CELC) are the community care agencies of the Catholic Diocese of Cairns, aligned under one governance model with senior leadership from the Executive Director, Centacare FNQ.

Together, we aspire to build an inclusive and resilient community, strengthened by our purpose: making a difference in our community, together.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a Compassionate and Skilled Counsellor to deliver professional counselling and therapeutic support to individuals, children, couples, and families across Far North Queensland.

You will play an important role in supporting adults experiencing mental health concerns, including those facing:

• Financial hardship
• Limited access to transport
• Complex life challenges and barriers that make it difficult to seek help

This role involves centre-based and outreach work, as well as contributing to public education, group work and community seminars.

What You'll Enjoy

Centacare FNQ offers an environment where your expertise is valued, and your professional growth is supported:

• Attractive Remuneration Structure: Full time, 38 hours per week, with flexible working arrangements available.
• Salary Packaging: Up to $15,900 per year to increase your take-home pay (superannuation may be paid in addition, subject to ATO limits).
• Generous Leave Package: Five weeks annual leave, plus the option to purchase up to two additional weeks each year.
• Gift Day: Enjoy an additional paid day off following Boxing Day if it falls on your usual workday.
• Professional Development: Tailored leadership development, peer collaboration opportunities, and access to sector training.
• Values-Based Culture: Join a supportive, mission-driven organisation that prioritises wellbeing, inclusion, and community impact.

YOUR ROLE

Working collaboratively with the Mental Health & Wellbeing Manager, you will:

• Provide culturally safe, trauma-informed and person-led counselling using evidence-based practices.
• Deliver flexible engagement that adapts to each person's context, recognising the social determinants of mental health.
• Identify access barriers and support clients through collaborative, integrated-care pathways.
• Consult and network with sector partners to enhance service integration.
• Contribute to planning, implementation and evaluation of counselling services and community initiatives.
• Develop and facilitate group work, workshops and seminars as required.
• Maintain clear and accurate administration, case notes and data collection.
• Report emerging issues, trends and service needs to the Mental Health & Wellbeing Manager.
• Participate in team meetings, service evaluation and continuous quality improvement.
• Support a workplace culture of teamwork, client-centred service, safety, confidentiality and respect.
• Travel and flexible hours may be required from time to time.

KEY RESULT AREAS

You will be assessed against your ability to:

1. Meet agreed work plan objectives.
2. Deliver high-quality, inclusive and professional counselling sessions.
3. Provide appropriate referrals and pathways that improve client access and autonomy.
4. Maintain accurate, timely case records and data.
5. Gather and respond to client and supervisor feedback.
6. Maintain contemporary knowledge of evidence-based practice and community resources.
7. Contribute to the development and delivery of workshops and seminars.
8. Adhere to Centacare's organisational policies, procedures and quality systems.
9. Demonstrate commitment to safety, confidentiality, collaboration and the Mission & Vision of the organisation.
10. Comply with all Work Health & Safety obligations.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING – SELECTION CRITERIA

The ideal applicant will demonstrate:

• Proven experience applying evidence-based practices in counselling individuals, families and relationships.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse clients in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and culturally safe engagement.
• Skills in recognising and working with access barriers impacting at-risk or disadvantaged adults.
• Confidence in using client management systems, case noting and reporting.
• Ability to work autonomously while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Experience networking, promoting services and working within an integrated, multi-agency care model.
• A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.

SKILLS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling or related behavioural sciences, OR significant demonstrated counselling experience.
• Eligibility for membership with a relevant professional association.
• Current driver licence.
• Current Blue Card and Yellow Card (No Card, No Start applies).
• Satisfactory National Police Check.
• COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment.