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 (Queensland’s 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: https://www.taihs.net.au/working-with-taihs click “Apply Now”

Please submit your application to include the below documents:

• Your CV/Resume
• A one-page Cover letter detailing how you will achieve success in the position

Applications Close – Friday, 11th September 2026

This position will remain open until filled.

Applications for this position will be reviewed as received, so apply today.

Email: hr@taihs.net.au or visit our website: https://www.taihs.net.au/

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY