Youth Suicide Counsellor

As a Youth Suicide Counsellor, you will provide therapeutic support to young people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours, helping them build safety, hope and connection.

Working as part of Ruah's specialist Luminos team, you'll play a critical role in supporting recovery, reducing risk and empowering young people to navigate challenges and achieve meaningful outcomes. This is an opportunity to use your clinical skills in a purpose-driven organisation where your work will have a genuine and lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable young people and their communities.

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

We are seeking three Casual Youth Suicide Counsellors to join our Luminos Mental Health & Wellness team based in Subiaco.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will deliver counselling, suicide risk assessment, safety planning, care coordination, advocacy and referral support to help young people achieve recovery, wellbeing and meaningful life outcomes.

You will work closely with the Team Lead, Kaya Peer Workers and other internal and external stakeholders to provide trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred support. The role requires a clinician who can confidently engage young people with complex needs while building collaborative relationships with families, supports and external services.

These are casual positions within our 24/7 youth suicide prevention service. Successful applicants must be available to work across a variety of shifts including day, afternoon, evening, active overnight and sleep shifts. This role is rostered Monday to Friday and does not require weekend work.

What We're Looking For

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

• Minimum Diploma of Counselling or equivalent qualification in an allied health field, including counselling/psychotherapy, social work, psychology, occupational therapy, mental health nursing or another relevant discipline
• Experience working with young people experiencing complex and co-occurring challenges, including trauma, suicidal ideation and mental health concerns
• Demonstrated ability to conduct suicide risk assessments and develop safety plans
• Experience providing therapeutic counselling and care coordination
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage young people and their support networks
• Personal goal planning skills that contribute to positive outcomes for young people
• Highly developed report writing, documentation and analytical reasoning skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and alongside peer workers
• Demonstrated understanding of the unique issues facing young people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and electronic client management systems
• Commitment to working within Ruah's Vision, Mission and Values
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of diversity, social inclusion, cultural safety and Aboriginal culture

Desirable

• ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
• Experience in youth mental health, suicide prevention, crisis intervention or community mental health services
• Experience facilitating group programs and psychoeducational activities
• Experience supporting, mentoring or providing guidance to colleagues, students or volunteers

What Do We Offer?

• Casual hourly rate commencing at $58.38 per hour plus superannuation
• Applicable penalty rates and allowances
• Access to generous salary packaging benefits, including:
• Up to $15,900 salary packaging
• An additional $2,650 meal entertainment packaging
• Additional salary packaging options for travel, accommodation, parking and education expenses
• Free Ruah-paid Journey Cover insurance
• Free, confidential Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
• Ongoing professional development, reflective practice and supervision opportunities
• Opportunities to contribute to a values-driven organisation committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people
• Opportunities to participate in working groups, Pride events, cultural celebrations, reconciliation initiatives and other activities that strengthen the Ruah community
• A diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace where difference is valued and celebrated

Required Compliance Documents

• Current Driver's Licence
• Working with Children Check
• National Police Clearance
• First Aid Certificate
• International Police Clearance (if applicable)

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 outlining your suitability for the role.

Closing Date: 9 October 2026

Please note: This advertisement may close prior to the closing date if a suitable pool of candidates is identified.

Applicants invited to interview will be asked to discuss their availability to work across a 24-hour Monday to Friday roster.

For further information, please contact:

Clayton Pearson - Service Lead - Mental Health and Wellness via email clayton.pearson@ruah.org.au

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.