About the Opportunity
The Mental Health Counsellor will play a pivotal role within the Social and Emotional Wellbeing – Beyond Mental Health program, providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed mental health services to Martu communities across the East Pilbara region. This position is designed to support the holistic wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities by integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary therapeutic approaches. The counsellor will work collaboratively with community members, health workers, and clinical teams to deliver clientcentered care, capacity building, and mental health promotion activities. The position incumbent liaising with the community Health Programs Manager and works closely with the Director of Community Health to ensure community health programs delivery in alignment with PAMS’ contractual obligations and strategic direction.
About You
To be considered for this position, candidates must be able to clearly demonstrate their ability to meet the below Essential Selection Criteria:
SELECTION CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL:
- Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health, or a related field.
- Current registration or eligibility for registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., AASW, AHPRA, ACA).
- Demonstrated experience in providing mental health services, particularly within Indigenous communities and/or remote settings.
- Strong understanding of the social determinants of mental health in Aboriginal communities, and a commitment to holistic, strengths-based, and trauma-informed care.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in remote environments, including travel to communities across the East Pilbara.
- Sound organisational, time management and documentation skills.
- Competency in the use of client information systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Current C Class Driver’s Licence, National Police Clearance, and Working with Children Check
- Ability to engage in leadership and management processes including multi-disciplinary/cross sector initiatives, partnerships;
- Highly developed and demonstrated communication (verbal and in writing) skills, with a particular emphasis on developing effective working relationships with a variety of interest groups, individuals and organisations;
- Well-developed financial management skills including understanding and skilled in managing the requirements of a complex program budget and contract reporting;
- Sound judgment, problem solving and decision making skills with an ability to contribute to the planning and development of the service and a capacity to manage change;
- An ability to work, reside and travel independently in a remote region;
- Demonstrated organisational and time management skills along with an ability to adapt to changing needs;
In addition to the above, the desirable criteria are:
- Previous experience working within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health service environment.
The position involves working with a multicultural organisation where the majority of staff, clients and stakeholders identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Candidates must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Please note: In addition to the above skills and experience, the successful candidate will require an unrestricted WA “C” Class Driver’s Licence, and be required to submit a National Police Clearance (dated within 3 months) and Working With Children Check (where applicable) prior to appointment, in order to be eligible for the position.
Applicants for this position must be legally entitled to work in Australia and will be required to provide evidence of this entitlement. Acceptable evidence includes an Australian or New Zealand passport, birth certificate, or foreign passport with relevant visa.
About the Benefits
While you will face diverse new challenges in the role, you will also enjoy an attractive remuneration package including a base salary of $116,378.00 – $136,145.80 per annum plus superannuation. You’ll also gain access to generous salary packaging options, which will greatly increase your take home pay. In addition, you will have access to a number of fantastic benefits including:
- 5 weeks’ annual leave + 17.5% leave loading
- Fully furnished subsidised accommodation
- Mobile Phone allowance
- Annual return flights per year of service
- Support to further invest in your career through additional training + study leave options
- Employee Assistance Program
- Retention Initiatives in accordance with the PAMS Employee Remuneration Policy
This position offers the opportunity to work closely with remote Aboriginal communities and make a drastic impact to the health and well-being outcomes of these communities.
PAMS operates five sites, supported by a range of clinicians, community health workers and other ancillary workers. Although the successful candidates will have a substantive location (Newman) they must be prepared from time to time to work across any one of these sites should they be required.
About the Organisation
The Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service located in the East Pilbara region of Western Australia and provides comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary health care services to the Martu people of Newman and the four remote Aboriginal communities of Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritji.
With an administrative hub based in Newman, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, The Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) provides holistic primary health care and community health programs services to the individuals and families within Newman and the remote communities of Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritji.
Living in Newman WA
Living and working in Newman offers a unique opportunity to experience life in the heart of the Pilbara. Surrounded by stunning red earth landscapes and close to iconic natural attractions like Karijini National Park, Newman is a vibrant inland town with a strong community spirit. While it’s remote and not coastal, residents enjoy a relaxed, outdoor-focused lifestyle with essential amenities like supermarkets, schools, healthcare services, and sporting facilities. Summers can be very hot, and travel to major centres requires planning, but many people find the lifestyle deeply rewarding, forming lasting friendships and enjoying a slower, more connected way of life. If you’re adaptable, community-minded, and open to new experiences, Newman offers an unforgettable chapter both personally and professionally.
YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W938MXkS1I4
Application Process
How to apply:
If you are passionate about making a real difference and are ready for an opportunity in a unique and rewarding environment, we encourage you to apply. Please ensure you review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) for further information about the requirements of the position.
We require you to submit:
- A current comprehensive CV including the contact details of two current referees and;
- A cover letter no more than 2 pages that clearly outlines the skills and experience you have gained to make you suitable for this position.
Note: Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately. PAMS reserves the right to appoint an applicant to this role prior to the closing date.
Contact People & Culture at pamshr@puntukurnu.com for more info.
