Counsellor Disaster Recovery Program

Your Contribution

The Counsellor provides high-quality trauma-informed emotional and psychological support to individuals and communities affected by disasters under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The role contributes to community recovery by delivering counselling psychosocial interventions referrals and practical wellbeing support while promoting resilience safety and connection. The Counsellor works collaboratively with local services recovery partners and community networks to ensure people receive timely holistic and culturally safe care.

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide trauma-informed evidence-based counselling to individuals families and groups impacted by disasters in the Burdekin Charters Towers Hinchinbrook and Townsville regions

Conduct psychosocial assessments risk assessments and safety planning as required

Develop and implement client-centred support plans with clear goals and interventions

Offer brief interventions emotional support debriefing and practical strategies to manage distress

Deliver services in a range of settings including clinics outreach locations community hubs and via telehealth.

Community Recovery Support

Participate in community outreach events and recovery activities to promote engagement and accessibility

Provide psychoeducation on stress trauma coping and recovery

Contribute to community capacity-building initiatives

Identify emerging community needs and escalate concerns to Program Manager

Coordination and Referral

Ensure effective referral pathways with GPs mental health services social support agencies and emergency recovery partners

Liaise with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure integrated and holistic support

Advocate for clients and follow up to ensure continuity of care.

Documentation and Compliance

Maintain accurate timely and confidential client records in accordance with organisational policy and DRFA requirements

Collect service delivery data to support reporting and accountability obligations under the funding agreement

Adhere to clinical governance frameworks ethical guidelines and professional standards.

Professional Practice

Engage in regular clinical supervision case review and reflective practice

Participate in training team meetings and professional development

Contribute to quality improvement activities related to service delivery and disaster recovery processes.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Tertiary education/qualification in Social Work/Psychology Counselling or related discipline

Minimum 2 years experience within the field

Demonstrated experience providing counselling or psychosocial support preferably in trauma crisis or disaster recovery contexts

Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice grief and loss and psychological first aid principles

Knowledge of local social support systems community networks and mental health services

Experience in group facilitation or community development

Ability to deliver professional innovative quality client services within appropriate timeframes

Awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures history and the issues affecting the lives of TAIHS client group Cultural Competence

Excellent interpersonal skills cross cultural communication skills and report writing skills.

Required Licenses and Checks

Ability to pass a National Police Check no Serious/Criminal/Court Records

Current Blue Card (Queenslands Working with Children Check) (or AHPRA registration if required)

Current C Class Drivers Licence (Qld)

Proof of qualifications and current registration (as appropriate) are to be provided prior to commencement of employment

Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role in a safe manner

Ability to work flexible hours during peak recovery periods or community events.

Offer of the position may be subject to a pre-employment medical assessment to support the selection process.

Conditions and Benefits of the Position

TAIHS provides access to an employee assistance program and access to learning and development opportunities. Your employment experience with TAIHS will include work-life balance with competitive salary and benefits leave entitlements career progression opportunities and the chance to make a difference to the people and communities.

TAIHS is committed to building an inclusive culture that respects and promotes human rights and diversity. The position involves working with a multicultural organisation where the majority of employees clients and stakeholders identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Employees demonstrate an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people communicate effectively and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

TAIHS acknowledges that we respectfully journey together to aspire to be a culturally capable organisation. We are an inclusive equal employment opportunity employer and place value on our diverse workforce. We encourage applicants representing all genders ethnicities ages languages sexual orientations people with a disability and those with family responsibilities to apply.

How to Apply:

Please visit the TAIHS Careers Page for more information and to view the Position Description at: the apply now button

Please submit the below documentation.

• CV/Resume
• One page Cover letter detailing how you will achieve success in the position

Applications Close: This position will remain open until filled. Applications for this position will be reviewed as received so apply today.

Email: or visit our website: AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY