Job Description

Counsellor and Student Coordinator

Location: All clinics

Ongoing - 1.0 FTE

Change Lives with a Career in #BetterMentalHealth

We are seeking a Counsellor in our Cairnmillar Clinics. The purpose of the position is to provide person-centred, evidence-based and feedback informed counselling services to the clients of The Cairnmillar Institute. The purpose of this role is also to provide effective coordination of the student clinic.

About the Cairnmillar Institute:

The Cairnmillar Institute is a not-for-profit registered health promotion charity that has been providing high-quality professional education and accessible psychological services to promote the psychological well-being of the community for nearly 60 years.

Cairnmillar is now one of the largest trainers of postgraduate psychologists and counsellors in Australia. We offer an excellent range of clinic services, postgraduate programs in psychology and counselling, and short courses and professional development for the broader community.

The role:

The role is responsible for ensuring high-quality and ethical delivery of services in the clinics.

• Conduct individual or group counselling sessions to support clients with mental health concerns, personal issues, trauma, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, and more
• Conduct a clinical caseload across many of the Clinical programs (e.g. EAP, NDIS, Vocational assessments)
• Provide person-centred, evidence-based and feedback-informed counselling services
• Provide crisis intervention and appropriate referrals for more intensive or specialized treatment when necessary
• Work collaboratively with other healthcare providers or social services to ensure comprehensive care for clients
• Promote the clinical services to local doctors and community organisations including strengthening collaborative links between referral sources
• Provide input into the development of clinical services
• Attend clinic meetings and planning sessions
• Participate in Peer Consultation and contribute to internal professional development
• Maintain case notes, practice records and records management at a high standard according to regulatory and organisational requirements
• Coordinate the onboarding, planning, training, and induction of students on placement within the clinics
• Liaise with placement coordinators regarding student needs and preferences
• Assist with monitoring compliance with policies and procedures within the student clinics
• Provide appropriate support and information to students and assist with matters relating to professional practice and student wellbeing needs within the student clinic

Knowledge and Skills

• Competence in core counselling skills and developing competence in therapeutic practice
• At least one year of relevant working experience
• Ability to build strong rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Capacity to work independently as well as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills

Please refer to the Position Descriptions (LINKS) for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.

Application closing date: October 22nd, 2026

For further information, please contact Dr Archana Kaur, Director of Clinical Services at archana.kaur@cairnmillar.org.au.

A Police Check and Working with Children Check will be required from the successful applicant as a condition of employment.

How to apply?

Please submit your application online directly through Seeko or the Cairnmillar website and include the following documents:

• Cover letter; and
• An up-to-date resume.

Why join Cairnmillar:

• Supportive work environment.
• A fun collaborative team focussed on professional development with continual on-the-job learning
• Open door policy and a genuine focus on wellbeing
• A purpose-driven culture where respect, inclusion and diversity are priority,
• salary packaging options

Cairnmillar values diversity, inclusion and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply.

The Cairnmillar Institute promotes the following values: collaboration, compassion, integrity, professionalism and respect and promotes behaviours that are consistent with these values at all times. Cairnmillar is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and developing a diverse workforce that reflects the community it serves.