Join YWCA Canberra – Make a Difference!

Child, Youth and Family Therapeutic Counsellor

Program: Warm Connections Counselling

Location: Mura Lanyon Youth and Community Centre, Conder,

Hours: 15 hours per week - Fixed term contract until 30 June 2027 (with the possibility of extension)

Salary: YWCA Canberra Level 3.4.1 – 4.1.1, dependent on qualifications, skills and experience, in accordance with the YWCA Canberra Enterprise Agreement 2023–2027

About the Role

YWCA Canberra is seeking a skilled and compassionate Child, Youth and Family Therapeutic Counsellor to join the Warm Connections Counselling program. This strength-based therapeutic counselling service supports children, young people and families across the ACT who require professional therapeutic intervention to address issues affecting wellbeing and family relationships.

Working within a team-oriented team of therapists, you will deliver child and young person-centred, family-focused therapeutic services that respond to the unique needs of service users. The role includes developing tailored intervention plans, delivering individual counselling, supporting referrals and contributing to collaborative case discussions. A small amount of case work is also attached to the role to support families.

About the Program

Warm Connections Counselling provides therapeutic services to parents and carers of children aged 0 to 15 years, and to children and young people aged eight to 15 years. The service draws on interventions including psychodynamic approaches, schema therapy and EMDR, framed by attachment theory, trauma-informed practice and client-centred approaches.

The program supports children and young people experiencing issues such as family relationship difficulties, neurodiversity, low-level mental illness, emotional challenges impacting behaviour, difficulties with peers or teachers, vulnerability and socio-economic disadvantage, early-childhood trauma and disrupted attachment.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop individual therapeutic intervention plans in collaboration with service users.
- Deliver appropriate individual therapeutic interventions that meet the needs of children, young people and families.
- Provide supported referrals to other services and agencies where required.
- Work collaboratively with other professionals to support positive outcomes for children, young people and families.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date and confidential records, including participation in case conferences where required.
- Collect and record monthly statistics relating to service delivery.
- Participate in regular qualified supervision, team meetings,



planning sessions and service policy and procedure development.

About You You will be an experienced counsellor with experience delivering a range of interventions and a strong understanding of attachment theory, child development, trauma and family relationships. You will bring a strength-based, relational and trauma-informed approach to your work with children, young people, parents and carers.

You will also have demonstrated experience working with diversity, including culture, gender differences and neurodivergence, and with children, young people and families experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage. Solid communication, record keeping, report writing and collaborative practice skills are essential.

Essential Requirements

- Tertiary qualifications and experience in Psychology, Social Work or Counselling, with current national registration where applicable or eligibility for membership of the appropriate professional association.
- Commitment to the philosophy and values of YWCA Canberra.
- Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft applications.
- Current driver’s licence and access to a comprehensively insured motor vehicle.
- Current Police Check and Working with Vulnerable People Registration.
- Australian citizenship or suitable rights to work in Australia.

WWVP Requirements All YWCA Canberra employees are required to hold and maintain a valid Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration for the duration of their employment. We operate under a strict ‘No card, no start’ policy, meaning this clearance must be obtained prior to commencing in any role.

What’s in it for you?

This is an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful therapeutic service that supports children, young people and families across the ACT. You will be part of a supportive team environment where therapists discuss and analyse cases, support each other and work collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes for service users.

Working at YWCA Canberra offers more than just a pay cheque. Here, you'll find a job with real purpose, where your efforts directly contribute to improving lives in our community. Whether you're involved in early childhood education, housing support, or any of our other programmes, you'll see the tangible results of your work.

YWCA Canberra offers:





- Competitive base salary
- Flexible working options to support work-life balance including a 9-day fortnight, 4 day compressed work week and varied working hours to accommodate work-life balance.
- Opportunities for professional development and further study through our in-house registered training organisation.
- Salary packaging options that can improve your take-home pay by $5K annually
- Generous parental leave entitlements, 3 days extra paid annual leave between Christmas and New Year, annual flu vaccinations.
- Access to Employee Assistance Program for guidance and counselling

Join Canberra's ONLY Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (WGEA).

How to Apply

1. Visit https://ywca-canberra.org.au/about-us/careers/ to access the position description and job demands checklist.
2. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing your suitability for the role. Applications should demonstrate your relevant qualifications, therapeutic experience and commitment to strength-based, trauma-informed and family-focused practice.
3. Applications can be submitted through our recruitment portal here: https://candidate.aurion.cloud/ywca/production/signin

Want more information? For a confidential discussion or further information please contact Cara Jacobs via email at [email protected]

Applications close on 16 October 2026

Make a difference with us.

At YWCA Canberra, we've been championing change since 1929, empowering women and promoting gender equality for nearly a century. Our legacy isn't built on words alone - it's rooted in real action. Every day, we transform lives through our community services, affordable housing programs, early childhood education, and leadership initiatives.

Whether it's providing a safe home through YHomes, supporting survivors of domestic violence, or nurturing the next generation of leaders, we walk the talk. Our impact is tangible, and our commitment to building an inclusive, equitable future remains stronger than ever.

YWCA Canberra reserves the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found prior to the closing date.

YWCA Canberra is committed to the safety of children and young people. As such, successful applicants will be required to participate fully in all child protection risk management recruitment processes and ongoing character checking and assessment processes.

YWCA Canberra is an equal opportunity employer. People from diverse backgrounds and with diverse life experiences are encouraged to apply. We specifically encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

📌 Child, Youth and Family Therapeutic Counsellor (Canberra)
🏢 Ywca Canberra
📍 Canberra