Senior Counsellor

Permanent Part-time 60.8 hours 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.
📌 This position plays a vital role in delivering high-quality clinical services and supporting our programs across multiple locations. You will also provide outreach services to satellite communities, ensuring clients in regional areas have access to the support they need.

Providing expert clinical advice to employees in lower-level positions, as well as volunteers and students.

Offering clinical supervision to staff, volunteer, and student counsellors.

Conducting client assessments, counselling sessions, and referrals for individuals accessing our services.

Managing specific projects, including planning, coordination, and implementation as assigned by the coordinator.

Participating in organisational activities, such as staff meetings, case conferences, supervision, and professional development.

Engaging in prevention, outreach, and community development initiative.

Completing administrative tasks to support smooth service delivery.

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:

Right to work in Australia

Tertiary qualifications in social behavioral or health sciences or equivalent experience.

Proven experience in the clinical management of alcohol and drug related problems.

Well-developed counselling and group work skills.

Valid Driver’s license and reliable vehicle

Well-developed clinical supervision skills.

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 (award-based staff)

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: 9th October 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 Kerry Arundel at 08 9821 8306 or [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.