Counsellor / Educator – Parents under Pressure (PuP) Great Southern

Fixed term/ Part-time 60.8 per fortnight /Katanning

Make a Real Impact at Palmerston Association

Since 1980, Palmerston has been a leader in AOD support across WA, helping people improve their wellbeing. We offer specialised services in alcohol and other drug treatment, mental health, and wellbeing, through counselling, group support, residential rehabilitation, and education—reaching communities across the Perth metro, Peel, Southwest, and Great Southern regions.

About the Role

Here’s your opportunity to be part of a passionate, purpose-driven team that’s making a genuine difference every day.

📌 The Parents Under Pressure (PUP) program combines psychological principles relating to parenting, child behaviour and parental emotion regulation within a case management model. The program is home-based and designed for families in which there are many difficult life circumstances that impact on family functioning. Such problems may include depression and anxiety, substance misuse, family conflict and severe financial stress. The program is highly individualised to suit each family.

The PUP counsellor educator is responsible for delivering the PUP program to parents while actively engaging with and maintaining stakeholder networks to ensure smooth referral pathways and access to complementary support services for program participants.

This role is classified at Level 5 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010.

This role requires confidence, compassion, and a steady presence. Working alongside vulnerable individuals means facing complex situations, high emotions, and occasional setbacks. That’s why we’re looking for someone who embodies compassion, connection, acceptance, and respect—someone who can offer unwavering support while maintaining the ability to navigate difficult moments with confidence and care. With a commitment to excellence in service, you’ll provide the stability and encouragement that empowers individuals on their journey toward change.

What We’re Looking For

You’re more than your qualifications—you’re someone who brings heart, empathy, professionalism and a strong commitment to supporting clients in improving their wellbeing. The ideal candidate will meet the following selection criteria:

Demonstrated ability to deliver care to families with complex, multifaceted problems through home visiting, case management and therapeutic counselling.

Experience working within a multidisciplinary team

Passion for supporting families

Ability to work unsupervised and within a small team

Demonstrate organisational and time management skills

Have highly level communication skills, both verbal and written

Sound knowledge of Microsoft office

A valid driver’s license.

Why Join Us?

At Palmerston, we value people—our clients, our communities, and our staff. Here’s what you can look forward to:

✨ Great Benefits:

Salary packaging up to $15,900 + $2,650 for meals/entertainment

5 days of life & wellness leave (pro rata)

9 weeks paid parental leave for the primary carer

2 weeks paid partner leave for non-primary carers

Option to purchase an additional week of leave each year

Partial access to long service leave after 5 years

Flexible, family-friendly work arrangements

17.5% annual leave loading

5 days paid gender affirmation leave

🌏 Inclusive Culture:

Cultural leave (2 paid + 8 unpaid days) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff

Staff-led working groups (RAP, Rainbow, Environmental, Disability Access & Inclusion)

Aboriginal Staff Forum to connect and collaborate

Our annual Big Day Out brings staff together from all sites to relax, connect and celebrate our work

We’re Rainbow Tick accredited—the first and only AOD provider in WA to achieve this!

How to Apply

Ready to bring your passion to Palmerston? We’d love to hear from you.

Click “Apply” on Seek! Or, if its more convenient for you, drop off your application at one of our sites.
Be sure to include:

Your resume

A cover letter addressing the selection criteria.

Answers to all application questions

⏳ Applications close: 23rd September 2025

We’re reviewing applications as they come in—so don’t wait!

A Few Final Details

You’ll need a valid WA Working with Children Check and a National Police Clearance (issued within the last 3 months).

📞 Got questions? Contact Tina Edwards-Pope at 08 9892 2100 or email [email protected]

Diversity makes us stronger. We seek and welcome diversity and a breadth of experience and backgrounds in our teams. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people who identify as LGBTIQ+ are encouraged to apply.

Recruitment agencies, we appreciate your consideration. However, we strive to fill our opportunities through direct channels whenever feasible. If we require agency assistance, we will reach out.