Palmerston Association - Counsellor / Educator

Palmerston Association – Counsellor / Educator

12-Month Fixed-Term Part-Time (Parental Leave Cover)

45 hours per fortnight | Albany, WA

Make a Real Impact at Palmerston Association

Since 1980, Palmerston has been a leader in AOD support across WA, helping people improve their wellbeing. We offer specialised services in alcohol and other drug treatment, mental health, and wellbeing, through counselling, group support, residential rehabilitation, and education—reaching communities across the Perth metro, Peel, South West, and Great Southern regions.

About the Role

Here’s your opportunity to be part of a passionate, purpose-driven team that’s making a genuine difference every day.

We are seeking a Counsellor Educator with strong clinical knowledge and experience in delivering alcohol and other drug (AOD) interventions. In this role, you will provide culturally secure counselling, education, and support to individuals, families, and the broader community, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by substance use.

In this role, you will :

• Deliver comprehensive assessment, counselling, and referral services to individuals affected by alcohol and other drug (AOD) use.
• Provide support and consultation to other service providers, including shared case management, to ensure coordinated care for clients with AOD issues.
• Build and maintain collaborative networks, contribute to community-based projects, and offer support to local committees and community groups.
• Deliver training and educational sessions to service providers and community organisations to enhance AOD awareness and response capacity.
• Contribute to prevention initiatives and participate in community development activities as required.
• Plan and facilitate therapeutic and educational group sessions tailored to client needs.
• Participate in the ongoing review and assessment of client progress to ensure effective support and intervention.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records, including care plans, case notes, and outcome evaluations.

This role is classified at Level 4 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010.

This role requires confidence, compassion, and a steady presence. Working alongside vulnerable individuals means facing complex situations, high emotions, and occasional setbacks. That’s why we’re looking for someone who embodies compassion, connection, acceptance, and respect —someone who can offer unwavering support while maintaining the ability to navigate difficult moments with confidence and care. With a commitment to excellence in service , you’ll provide the stability and encouragement that empowers individuals on their journey toward change.

What We’re Looking For

You’re more than your qualifications—you’re someone who brings heart, empathy, professionalism and a strong commitment to supporting clients in improving their wellbeing. The ideal candidate will meet the following selection criteria :

Tertiary or equivalent or relevant qualifications in social, behavioural or health sciences or equivalent experience.

Demonstrated and well-developed assessment and counselling skills.

Experience in developing and delivering education and training programs.

Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team.

Knowledge of alcohol and drug issues and co-occurring conditions

Well-developed oral and written communication skills.

A valid driver’s licence.

Why Join Us?

At Palmerston, we value people—our clients, our communities, and our staff. Here’s what you can look forward to :

Great Benefits :

Salary packaging up to $15,900 + $2,650 for meals / entertainment

5 days of life & wellness leave (pro rata)

9 weeks paid parental leave for the primary carer

2 weeks paid partner leave for non-primary carers

Option to purchase an additional week of leave each year

Partial access to long service leave after 5 years

Flexible, family-friendly work arrangements

17.5% annual leave loading (award-based staff)

5 days paid gender affirmation leave

Inclusive Culture :

Cultural leave (2 paid + 8 unpaid days) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff

Staff-led working groups (RAP, Rainbow, Environmental, Disability Access & Inclusion)

Aboriginal Staff Forum to connect and collaborate

Our annual Big Day Out brings staff together from all sites to relax, connect and celebrate our work

We’re Rainbow Tick accredited—the first and only AOD provider in WA to achieve this!

How to Apply

Ready to bring your passion to Palmerston? We’d love to hear from you.

Click “Apply” on Seek! Or, if its more convenient for you, drop off your application at one of our sites.

Be sure to include :

Your resume

A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

Answers to all application questions

Applications close : 18th July 2025

We’re reviewing applications as they come in—so don’t wait!

A Few Final Details

You’ll need a valid WA Working with Children Check and a National Police Clearance (issued within the last 3 months).

Got questions? Contact Deb Slade at 9892 2100 or email dslade@palmerston.org.au

Diversity makes us stronger. We seek and welcome diversity and a breadth of experience and backgrounds in our teams. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people who identify as LGBTIQ+ are encouraged to apply.

If you would like to have a yarn on what it’s like to work at Palmerston as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander employee at Palmerston please contact Wayne Ryder on 08 9399 5344 or wryder@palmerston.org.au.

Recruitment agencies, we appreciate your consideration. However, we strive to fill our opportunities through direct channels whenever feasible. If we require agency assistance, we will reach out.

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