- Full-time opportunity based in Marrickville, NSW
- Salary packaging, gifted leave at Christmas and Easter
- Competitive above-award salary, SCHADS Level 6 + super

About the Role

The Specialist Youth Counsellor plays a critical role in supporting the mental health, safety and wellbeing of young people aged 12 to 24 who have experienced violence, abuse, discrimination or other traumatic experiences. The role provides specialist counselling and therapeutic support to young people impacted by domestic and family violence, childhood sexual abuse and sexual violence, while also supporting recovery, resilience and long-term wellbeing.

Working within a collaborative and multidisciplinary team, you will deliver trauma-informed counselling, complete assessments, engage with families and support people, and contribute to therapeutic group programs that promote healing, safety and connection. Practice is underpinned by person-centred, trauma-informed and inclusive approaches that recognise and value the diverse experiences of young people and their families.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people while working within an experienced and supportive clinical environment.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide specialist counselling and therapeutic interventions for young people impacted by trauma and sexual violence
- Conduct trauma-informed assessments and contribute to timely service access and waitlist management
- Engage parents, carers and support people to strengthen outcomes for young people
- Co-facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational group programs for young people and families
- Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to support integrated service delivery
- Maintain accurate client records, case notes and reporting requirements
- Participate in regular clinical supervision, reflective practice and professional development
- Uphold cultural sensitivity, ethical practice and child safety requirements
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture
- Build and maintain strong relationships with referral partners and community stakeholders

About You

- Tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling or a related discipline
- Eligibility for, or membership with,



a relevant professional association (where applicable)
- Experience providing counselling or therapeutic support to young people with complex needs
- Demonstrated understanding of trauma, complex trauma and trauma-specific interventions
- Knowledge of child protection and mandatory reporting requirements
- Experience supporting young people impacted by sexual violence, family violence and/or adversity
- Commitment to person-centred, anti-oppressive, culturally competent, neuro-affirming and LGBTIQA+ affirming practice
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
- Confidence facilitating therapeutic or psychoeducational groups with young people and/or parents
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team
- Commitment to reflective practice, continuous learning and clinical supervision
- Salary packaging – up to $15,900 in tax-free pay per year
- Additional salary packaging benefits available for meals and entertainment
- 4 days gifted leave at Christmas and Easter (pro rata)
- Up to 100 hours of paid study leave (where relevant to role)
- Hybrid working opportunities where operationally appropriate
- 12 weeks paid parental leave (primary carer)
- Additional leave through purchase leave pathways
- Employee Assistance Program, a free and confidential counselling service
- Eligible for participation in the portable long service leave program

About Us

Our 2023-2027 strategy outlines the world we want to see and our role in advancing it. We aspire for all women, girls, and families to be protected, well, strong, and connected. We strive for equity, dignity and social justice for women, girls and families by collaborating globally and acting locally, supporting our communities in Australia and New Zealand to thrive.

We want women, girls and families to live full and dignified lives, have dignified income and enjoy financial wellbeing.



We aim to provide place-based, people-centred, holistic services while working at the system level to achieve bold and audacious reform. We currently offer microfinance programs and products, financial counselling and coaching, family and domestic violence support services, family and youth programs, playgroups, education programs and community houses. These services are complemented by research and strong advocacy to address the underlying structural causes of injustice, exclusion and inequality.

Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand (GSANZ) respects the dignity of all people, draws strength from, and celebrates the diversity of our community. At GSANZ, we strive for an inclusive culture where all identities feel safe and that they belong. We welcome and actively seek applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all sexual orientations and gender expressions and identities, people with disability, and culturally and racially marginalised people. Each person's individual decision regarding disclosure will be fully respected.

We recognise that applicants may hesitate to disclose their need for adjustments during recruitment due to concerns about discrimination. To address this, Good Shepherd asks all candidates about any required accommodations, with the intention of minimising any sense of exclusion or discomfort associated with requesting adjustments.

Good Shepherd believes in genuine inclusive practice and employment and will therefore offer job customisation to meet the varying needs of diverse candidates.

Personal data held by Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.

We recognise the rich diversity of people across Australia. We are committed to ensuring that our team is reflective of the diverse community we serve and to supporting a culture of equity, inclusion and diversity.

Good Shepherd Australia Recent Zealand is a Child Safe employer. Employment is subject to satisfactory referee checks, a current Employee Working with Children Check, National Criminal History Check and proof of the right to work in Australia.

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📌 Specialist Youth Counsellor (New South Wales)
🏢 Good Shepherd
📍 New South Wales