Adolescent and Family Counsellor, Northern Sydney Youth Homeless Services

• Full time or Part time availability: Max term of 2 years
• Location: Hornsby, NSW
• Salary: 65K plus super with additional Salary packaging benefits
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need  

Life at Mission Australia

When you join our team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we stand together with anyone who needs us, for as long as they need us. Find out more about us and our purpose. 

Your Opportunity

This role is to support young people aged 12-24 years by providing counselling support to create a space of reflection and safety. The Counsellor can offer a range of modalities to assist with therapeutic sessions and provide a level of practical assistance where necessary to incorporate our practice of providing holistic support to young people.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond to referrals of young people and families to the service per year from internal and external support services in a timely manner.
• Engage and develop ongoing relationships with the intention of building trust and providing case management.
• Have good understanding of the responsibility and reporting of the Children and Young Person’s Act 1998.
• Actively advocate for clients and work collaboratively with other services and government agencies where necessary and assist in attendance to appointments (medical and other) and transport to and from support services where possible.
• Assist clients in the process of transition out of the service into independence or other services including the support team.
• Develop quality relationships with a range of key stakeholders including community organisations, schools, DCJ and relevant health professionals to allow for the effective provision of support and information to clients.
• Develop and conduct a range of groupwork programs for clients on a range of topics relevant to adolescents and families.
• Participate in a range of interagency meetings, steering committees, and other forums to share information best practice and highlight the needs of families and adolescents in the community.
• Participate in the collection and collation of service-related information and data for the purpose of reporting back to the funding body.

Requirements for Success

• Relevant degree with at least 1 years’ experience. Alternatively, may hold an associate diploma with relevant experience.
• Demonstrated professional approach to the role and ability to provide specialized or complex therapeutic interventions and manage complex caseload.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including ability to communicate effectively with clients, team members and other service providers.
• An understanding from combined lived experience and professional development about factors that support recovery and a proven stability to use this to positively support others on their recovery journey
• Group facilitating experience delivering life skills workshops and family education/support workshops.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and in partnership with young people, families and other stakeholders by maintaining professional boundaries
• Current Drivers’s License
• Covid Vaccination proof essential 

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications and referee checks.  

 Our culture 

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.  

We’re committed to the safety and wellbeing of each other and the people we serve. 

We recognise and respect diversity. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia. 

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia. If you need support to submit your application, please email [email protected] 

 Your benefits 

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference 
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)  
• Generous discounts with health insurance and major retailers  
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support. 

How to apply 

To be considered for this opportunity, please click ‘Apply for this job’ and send your cover letter and resume today. As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

For more information, feel free to view the Position Description via 

For further information regarding working with us, visit Working for Mission Australia.

 Applications will be shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.