• Perm Part time 0.6 EFT, Counsellor – Mental Health & Community Wellbeing
• Community-Based Counsellor with Mental Health & Wellbeing Focus
• Not for Profit, salary packaging benefits, flexible work life balance

About Us

Access Health and Community, a trusted leader in community care for over 150 years, is expanding through an exciting merger with Inspiro Health to deliver even stronger, more accessible services across the Yarra Ranges. With a combined team of over 500 healthcare professionals and volunteers across 18 locations, we are proud partners in delivering the Victorian Government’s new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals initiative. Designed to offer free, voluntary, and easily accessible mental health support without the need for referrals, these services provide safe, inclusive, and community-connected care for individuals aged 26 and over, including those with co-occurring alcohol and drug support needs. Working alongside Wellways, Eastern Health, and Oonah, we are reimagining mental health and wellbeing through a "no wrong door" approach—focused on participant choice, empowerment, and support close to home. Join us and be part of shaping the future of community-based mental health services in Victoria.

About the role

Access Health and Community is seeking a qualified and compassionate Counsellor to join the Towards Change Team at the Yarra Ranges Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, a groundbreaking, community-led initiative driving Victoria’s mental health reform. This permanent part-time role (3 days/week) is based primarily at our Lilydale site, with flexibility for outreach work and a preference for Tuesday to Thursday. In this role, you will provide therapeutic counselling and psychotherapy to adults aged 26 and over experiencing mental health challenges, including co-occurring substance use. Working across clinical, community, and home-based settings, you’ll deliver trauma-informed, person-centred care and tailor evidence-based interventions like ACT, DBT, and mindfulness. You’ll co-develop personalised Wellbeing Plans, engage families and carers, and champion lived experience, equity, and local voice in every aspect of service delivery. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in a truly integrated and responsive mental health support system.

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, outreach and home-based support
• 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 related field.
• Membership, or eligibility for membership with appropriate professional body (PACFA, ACA, AASW, AHPRA)
• Experience working in mental health and/or AOD sectors
• Proven experience in delivering counselling to vulnerable communities and/or individuals belonging to vulnerable groups, demonstrating sensitivity and empathy
• Willingness to learn and utilise technology platforms relevant to the position
• Basic skills in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems.

Compliance Requirements:

• National Police Check, Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check
• Evidence of the right to work in Australia and a valid Driver’s Licence
• Completion of NDIS Worker Orientation Module (free online)
• Legal working rights in Australia

Attributes we value

We actively encourage applications from people with:

• 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 Access Health and Community, 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 a strong commitment and passion for making a positive impact. This shared ethos creates a workplace where everyone benefits, fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth, a sense of purpose, and true belonging. Our culture is built to promote success and fulfilment, empowering you to make a meaningful difference. Join us and experience the rewards of a career that truly matters.

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 career growth
• 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/

Contact, Team Leader, Aiden Searle, if you would like further information about the role E: [email protected] using the subject line: Counsellor - Community Based - Lilydale enquiry via EthicalJobs or M: 0429 575 793.

Why join Us?

• 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 hours 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.

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 value the diversity and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and are committed to delivering on our vision for reconciliation through our recruitment and employment practices.

Position Description