Senior Counsellor

Senior Counsellor

Location: Footscray, Australia · Reference: 18337

Job Summary

As a Senior Counsellor, you will play a key role in supporting student wellbeing, safety and academic success across Victoria University. You will provide evidence-based mental health assessments, counselling, risk management and therapeutic interventions for students, particularly those presenting with complex or high-risk needs. Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, you will also contribute to the development of wellbeing programs, provide specialist advice on student mental health matters, and help drive continuous improvement across counselling services.

About VU

At VU, we aim to be one of the leading impact universities in the world. VU is an impact‑driven university committed to equity, excellence and opportunity. Based in Melbourne’s west and connected globally, we put students first through the VU Block Model®, dual‑sector pathways and strong industry partnerships. We are a values‑led, inclusive workplace where diverse talent is supported to make a real difference.

About the Team

The Counselling and Mental Health team provides specialist expertise, advice and support to students and staff on matters relating to mental health, wellbeing and risk assessment. The team delivers professional, evidence-based and trauma-informed therapeutic services, while fostering psychologically safe and inclusive environments across the University. Working closely with a range of internal and external partners, the team is committed to supporting the wellbeing, success and inclusion of all students, including those from diverse cultural, social and identity backgrounds.

About the Role

As a Senior Counsellor at VU, you will work independently within a supportive team environment providing mental health support and counselling to our students. You will use your clinical skills in providing evidence based therapeutic interventions, assessment and referral services to support student’s wellbeing, safety and academic success. You will work closely with other support services internal and external to the university and provide expertise in the management of student mental health and wellbeing. 

Position Key Duties 

• Providing evidence based therapeutic intervention, case management and mental health support for students often presenting with complex or high-risk needs  
• Assess, manage and refer students with diverse backgrounds and mental health needs including provide mental state assessments, risk assessments and implement safety plans
• The ability to make high level decisions within professional guidelines as well as collaborative decision making within a supportive team environment.

 Position Details

• Classification: HEP Level 8
• Salary: $113,953 - $128,326 Plus 17% Superannuation
• Employment Type: Part Time, Fixed Term (March 2027)
• Hours per Week: 22 hours
• Location: Footscray

For a detailed overview of the role’s duties and responsibilities, please refer to the Senior Counsellor Position Description

About You

• A recognised qualification that meets the requirements for full registration with AHPRA (Psychology Board of Australia), or membership of the AASW with Accredited Mental Health Social Worker status. 
• At least 4 years' relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training. 
• A genuine passion for supporting students from diverse backgrounds to improve their mental health and educational outcomes. 
• Experience working with young people and/or within a tertiary education environment (highly desirable). 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and respond effectively to urgent situations. 
• Demonstrated expertise in delivering brief therapeutic interventions across a range of presentations, including anxiety, stress, relationship issues, family violence, eating disorders, grief, and loss. 
• Experience contributing to mental health programs, workshops, and wellbeing initiatives. 
• Proven ability to identify and support at-risk students, including conducting risk assessments and developing safety plans.

Please note: The University is a Child Safe organisation. You will be required to hold a current Employee - Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment.  

Who to Contact? 

For further information relating to the position, please contact: 
Name: Tessa Benson
Position Title: Director Student Equity, Safety and Wellbeing Services 
Email: [email protected]

How to Apply 

To submit your application please click on the Apply button.

      Applications must be submitted as a single document comprising:

• A cover letter 
• Your curriculum vitae/resume 
• Your responses addressing all selection criteria located in the position description 
• Evidence of applicable qualifications, licences and registration

Applications will close on the 4th October 2026. This advert may close earlier should a suitable candidate be identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged. 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires for applicants to have full and permanent working rights in Australia. 

Why Join VU

VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. The university fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Careers at VU Webpage 

Our Commitment

Victoria University is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially responsible community. We honour our deep diversity by respecting First Nations perspectives and embedding sustainable approaches to Protecting Country, while championing progressive inclusivity for all—embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socio‑economic backgrounds. As a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, we strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong, and we ensure a positive, barrier‑free recruitment experience by providing adjustments and accessible formats upon request at  [email protected] or (03) 9919 5999.