Senior Family Counsellor

Full Time fixed term until June 2027 / West Leederville

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, South West, 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.

As the Senior Family Counsellor, you will play a key role in embedding family inclusive practice across our Therapeutic Community. Working closely with the clinical team, providing expert guidance, develop and implement family-focused initiatives, and ensure families are meaningfully supported throughout the recovery journey.

You will deliver education and clinical supervision to staff, facilitate reflective practice, and maintain a caseload of family clients.

The role also involves developing and enhancing family support programs, including family counselling, support groups, and peer support initiatives, while representing Palmerston at relevant committees and community events.

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 robust commitment to supporting clients in improving their wellbeing. The ideal candidate will meet the following selection criteria:

- Tertiary qualifications in social, behavioural or health sciences, or equivalent experience.

- Recognised training in family therapy and proven experience in family work, including family counselling, family support initiatives and family inclusive practice.

- Demonstrated and well-developed clinical supervision skills.

- Experience in the development and implementation of clinical programs.

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: 11th August 2026

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 Eleanor Clark at 0436 477 *** or email ******@palmerston.org.au

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.

📌 Senior Family Counsellor (Perth)
🏢 Palmerston Association
📍 Perth