Counsellor (Women, Children & Young People)

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 Karlup Service is a holistic, wraparound service model for women and children to heal and recover from family and domestic violence. The Women, Children & Young Person Counsellor will work to:

• Deliver a high quality counselling service to women, children and young people.
• Contribute expertise in care planning, guidance, advice, assessments and consultation to both clients and the wider multi-disciplinary Karlup Team.
• Engage in family inclusive practice and work within a trauma-informed and culturally safe healing and recovery framework
• Utilise age-appropriate evidence-based therapies and strategies to support the client to manage trauma symptoms, anxiety and other psycho-social distress.
• Maintain record case notes and other documentation relating to the client via the client management system
• Develop and review care plans and safety plans.
• Other duties as directed by the Service Lead

This is a permanent full time position, working 76 hours per fortnight.

What we’re looking for

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

• Degree level qualification in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work (or related discipline)
• Registration with AASW, APS, PACFA, ACA (Level 3) or AHPRA
• A minimum of two years experience working in a counselling capacity.
• 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:

• Post graduate qualifications in counselling, psychotherapy, or other related discipline
• Experience working with women and young people who have experienced family and domestic violence and a sound understanding of its socio-environmental context.
• Experience working with a family inclusive practice and providing therapeutic support with children and young people.

What do we offer?

• A salary aligned with Level 5 of the Ruah Enterprise Agreement (and the SCHADS Award), starting at $101,000 a year
• 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% annual leave loading (for award-based staff)
• 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 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:

• Current drivers’ license
• National Police Clearance Certificate
• 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, 28th November 2025.

The Job advertisement may be closed earlier than the date mentioned above.

For further information please contact Holly Turner, Service Lead, at Holly.Turner@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.