Counsellor (50D)

Are you passionate about Mental Health and helping support Aboriginal Families?

About the Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Counsellor to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible to provide crisis support and counselling to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families affected by crisis situations and / or require counselling support for general mental and emotional well-being. The Counsellor will work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for clients. This will be a Maximum term Part-time contract which expires on 30 June 2027, but with possibility of extension.

About the Organisation

The Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service (DYHS) was established in 1974 and is the largest Aboriginal community-controlled health service provider in Western Australia, providing care to over 20,000 Aboriginal patients across four clinics in East Perth, Mirrabooka, Maddington and Midland. Our staff enable the delivery of culturally responsive primary health services, focusing on prevention, early intervention, comprehensive care and care coordination including chronic disease management.

About the Benefits

A competitive salary commensurate with relevant qualifications, skills and experience is on offer for the right candidate. Other entitlements include:

• Salary packaging up to $15,900
• Study leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• 12 days of personal leave per year
• NAIDOC Day holiday
• Personalized professional development opportunities

Responsibilities

• Provide a broad range of counselling services across DYHS sites, which includes grief, trauma and relationship counselling.
• Respond to referrals from DYHS staff identifying clients requiring counselling.
• Maintain referral system appointment systems for clients accessing counselling.
• Engage with external agencies and counsellors including AADS and Yorgum.
• Accompany clients to hospital where it is appropriate to their ongoing clinical management.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pursuant to Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act.
• Possession of formal tertiary or vocational qualifications (Cert IV) in psychology, social work, mental health, counselling or a related area.
• Demonstrated understanding of current health and social emotional wellbeing issues affecting Aboriginal clients.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people.
• Contemporary counselling and case management skills with emphasis on trauma and grief counselling.
• Have a sound understanding of Aboriginal culture, boundaries, values and protocols.

Appointment Pre-requisites

Provision of the minimum identity proofing requirements

• Satisfactory National Police Clearance
• Successful Pre-Employment Health Assessment
• Successful Working with Children Check
• Evidence of a current driver's licence

A copy of the Job Description can be obtained by contacting People Services Team on or

How to Apply:

Please apply through SEEK, applications must include:

Current Resume including current contact details; and Cover letter addressing the selection criteria (2 pages maximum) outlining your suitability for the role.

Please note shortlisting will commence immediately. Due to the high number of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is an equal opportunity institution, providing educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, colour, gender, age, or disability.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service reserves the right to contact the current or most recent employer and evaluate past employment records of applicants selected for interview.

The organisation reserves the right to re-advertise the position or to delay final selection if it is deemed that applicants for the position do not constitute an adequate applicant pool.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is committed to a smoke free environment across all buildings, grounds and vehicles.