Max Term Part-time 0.6 EFT, Counsellor Mental Health, Lilydale

Community-Based Counsellor with Mental Health & Wellbeing Focus

Not for Profit, salary packaging benefits, flexible work life balance About Us Access Health and Community (AccessHC) is a leading not-for-profit healthcare provider with over 150 years of experience delivering inclusive, person-centered care across Melbourne’s inner and outer east and northeast. With 600 staff and 200 volunteers across 17 locations, we offer a wide range of integrated services to support diverse communities. Following our May 2025 merger with Inspiro, we’ve expanded our reach into the Yarra Ranges and strengthened our commitment to accessible, high-quality community health services.

We are proud of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and our respect for the rights culture and contributions of First Nations peoples. At AccessHC, we are united by compassion, collaboration and community-led care to help people live healthier lives.

About The Role Access Health and Community is seeking a qualified and compassionate Counsellor to join the Mental Health, Wellbeing and Engagement team. This is a Max term part-time role (3 days/week) until July 2027- reporting to the Team Leader Mental Health based at our Lilydale and Belgrave sites and may require the flexibility to work across AccessHC sites within the region. In this role, you will provide responsive, flexible and evidence-based therapeutic counselling and psychological interventions for adults aged 65 years and under who are experiencing mental health challenges.

The role includes comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, risk assessment and management, and the delivery of person-centred interventions that support improved mental health and wellbeing. Working within a multidisciplinary, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented framework, the clinician collaborates with clients, families where appropriate, referrers and service partners to develop care plans, build coping strategies and resilience, and support clients to achieve their treatment goals.

What You Will Be Doing

Work in partnership with individuals to conduct thorough psychosocial assessments acknowledging their strengths, needs and experiences, utilising a trauma-informed approach

Provide counselling services at the preferred location of the participant, including office based or telehealth

Collaboratively develop individualised wellbeing plans with clients that reflect their goals and preferences in a way that promotes self-determination and empowerment

Implement a range of evidence-informed interventions such as ACT, DBT and mindfulness, tailored to the unique needs of each individual while respecting their personal choices

Provide practical tools and strategies to empower clients in managing symptoms, enhancing emotional regulation, and navigating challenges, with the aim of promoting self-efficacy and overall well-being

Work actively to embed consumer perspectives and lived experience into the model of care

Facilitate open and respectful communication within families and relationships,



cultivating healthy connections and addressing conflicts constructively

Work with individuals holistically and contextually, considering systems, institutions, families, cultures, communities, and ethnicity What You Will Bring Key Responsibilities You are an experienced Counsellor who is passionate about holistic care and understands the complex relationship between mental and physical health. You bring clinical expertise, a compassionate approach, and a commitment to participant-led practice. Tertiary qualification in psychology, social work, counselling, or a mental health discipline

Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Psychologist, or eligibility for accreditation with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as a Mental Health Social Worker For counselling-qualified applicants, current registration or eligibility for registration with a recognised Australian counselling qualified body, such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), is required

Demonstrated experience in mental health assessment, formulation, treatment planning and delivery of individual and group interventions

Sound understanding of clinical governance, risk assessment and risk management frameworks

Demonstrated ability to maintain client records in accordance with relevant legislation, standards and organisational requirements, including the use of electronic data systems for reporting and service planning Compliance Requirements National Police Check, Working with Children Check

Evidence of the right to work in Australia and a valid Driver’s Licence Attributes We Value We actively encourage applications from people with: Strong collaboration skill: the ability to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team

Proficient in management of electronic health record systems (e.g., TrakCare) and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Lived/living experience of mental health or addiction

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds

CALD, LGBTIQA+, neurodiverse, or disabled communities

Authenticity and Integrity: Bringing your whole self to support participants and community

Compassion: Approaching care with empathy, curiosity, and understanding

Respectful Collaboration: Working in partnership with participants, carers, and colleagues

Commitment to Equity: Promoting inclusive, safe, and culturally sensitive practices

Quality and Safety Focus: Ensuring participant safety and high-quality outcomes

Courage and Honesty: Leaning into challenges and opportunities for growth

Commitment to Reconciliation:



Supporting culturally safe care for First Nations communities Access Health And Community Culture And Benefits At AccessHC, we offer more than just a fulfilling career; we provide an environment where you can thrive in a culture of collaboration and support. Our team members share commitment and passion to make a positive impact, and this ethos creates a range of advantages for our people from opportunities for personal and professional growth to a sense of purpose and belonging. Our culture promotes an environment of success and fulfilment.

The Position Encompasses An Extensive Range Of Benefits Supportive and values-based culture and engaged workforce

Culture of trust and empowerment for people to grow and thrive

Commitment to a work-life balance with flexible working conditions

Focus on staff wellbeing and health - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Commitment to ongoing professional development and growth opportunities

Paid parental leave and opportunity to purchase additional leave

Annual leave loading

Generous salary packaging opportunities that reduce tax payable on income (up to $15,990 per annum + $2,650 meals/entertainment expenses) Read more about our culture and benefits: https://accesshc.org.au/culture-and-benefits Apply Now Submit your application including your resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria. Please refer to the position description on our website for the key selection criteria information: https://accesshc.org.au/careers/ Please contact, Team Leader Wellbeing, Margaret Theologou if you would like further information about the role E: [email protected] What’s in It for You? Be part of real reform and a new, values-led model of care

Collaborate with sector leaders in a genuinely co-designed service

Work with a supportive, multidisciplinary team

Enjoy flexible schedule and outreach-based engagement

Access ongoing professional development, supervision, and career growth

Make a lasting difference in people’s lives and your local community Apply now so you do not miss this opportunity, as we will be assessing applications when submitted. No Agencies please.

Applications close: 16th August 2026 Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Access Health and Community is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive working environment that embraces and values all people, regardless of cultural background, age, gender identity, sexuality or lived and living experience. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disability, people of all genders and sexualities, and people with lived and living experience. We recognise the strength, resilience and ongoing contributions of First Nations peoples and are committed to advancing reconciliation through our employment, service delivery and organisational practices.

All compliance requirements will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and a criminal history does not automatically exclude an applicant from employment. All applications will be treated confidentially.

📌 Counsellor Part time 0.6 EFT Max term Parental leave Lilydale (Melbourne)
🏢 Access Health and Community
📍 Melbourne