About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia’s community services sector. Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA’s biggest Peer support workforces. Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated and embraced.

By choosing to work with us, you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.

About the Role

The Youth Suicide Counsellor position is at the forefront of the organisation in providing support interventions for young people with thoughts of suicide. Youth Suicide Counsellor(s) works closely with the Clinical Team Lead, Intentional Peer Workers and Support Counsellors (volunteers). The Youth Suicide Counsellor serves as an advocate for young people to meet wider social, health and well-being needs. This role is responsible for undertaking tasks around the provision of therapeutic counselling support, suicide risk assessments and safety planning, case management, documentation, referrals, and liaising with relevant services and stakeholders.

This is a part-time position, working 45.6 hours per fortnight (roughly 6 shifts) with a maximum date until 30 September 2026. This is a shift worker position, consisting of awake night shifts and day shifts.

What we’re looking for

The successful applicants will be required to meet the following criteria:

Experience (ideally in a mental health service) working with young people with complex co-occurring challenges/needs (trauma, suicidal ideation, mental health diagnoses etc).
Availability to take part in shift-work within a 24/7 service, including weekend and weekday morning shifts, day shifts and awake night shifts.
Personal goal planning skills that contribute to the achievement of young person goals.
Skills in reflective practice and highly developed report writing using analytical reasoning.
Ability to support, mentor and work alongside supporting staff members.
Advanced computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and client reporting system.
Ability to engage and maintain professional relationships with young people, and their wider formal and informal supports, with multiple needs and challenges.
Demonstrated understanding of unique issues facing young people with suicidal thoughts.
Willingness and ability to work within and contribute to the vision, mission, core values and the guiding principles of the organisation.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of diversity and social inclusion- including gender, sexuality, disability, cultural, age, and linguistic diversity and Aboriginal culture.

The following criteria are considered desirable:

Undergraduate or post-graduate qualification in an allied health field (including counselling/psychotherapy, social work, psychology, occupational therapy, mental health nursing)
Eligibility for registration with an appropriate professional body (PACFA, ACA, AASW, AHPRA etc).

What do we offer?

A salary aligned with Level 4 of the Ruah Enterprise Agreement (and the SCHADS Award) starting at $88,372.
5 weeks annual leave, pro rata, + 17.5% annual leave loading.
16 weeks paid parental leave, with flexibility to take at 32 weeks half-pay (uniquely, new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months’ service).
Free, independent and confidential access for you and your direct family to our Employee Assistance Program.
Free Ruah-paid Journey Cover (insurance for when you're getting to and from work).
Incredibly valuable Salary Packaging (to extend your take home pay) with:
up to $15,900 core packaging
an additional $2,650 in meal entertainment packaging
benefits for salary packaging travel, accommodation, parking fees, education expenses and more!
Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups, joining us at Pride events, being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much, much more!

Required compliance documents:

National Police Clearance Certificate
International Police Clearance Certificate, if required
WA Working with Children Check
First Aid Certificate

How to apply

We’d love to hear from you!

Please click apply, create your LiveHire profile, and submit your current CV along with a cover letter of no more than two pages, helping us understand your fit for this role.

Closing date for applications: COB Friday 24th May 2026.

Please note, shortlisting may earlier than the date mentioned above.

For further information please contact Samuel Murphy, Team Lead, at samuel.murphy@ruah.org.au or 0494 133 894.

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right. Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.

We are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All applicants will undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

Youth Suicide Counsellor