Adolescent & Family Counsellor

Type: Full-time
Location: Kaleen, ACT
Remuneration: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (Level 5) + full salary packaging options available up to $15,900 per annum

About Us:               

Originally named The Wayside Foundation, The Ted Noffs Foundation was established in 1970 by the Australian humanitarian, Reverend Ted Noffs, who’s work championed social justice, mental health support, and innovative youth services. Today, the Foundation continues his legacy, delivering frontline services and community support across NSW, ACT & QLD. With over 200 staff and 350 volunteers, we remain deeply committed to helping young people affected by issues related to drugs, crime, and mental health.

The Role:               

Noffs is looking for a dynamic and compassionate Adolescent and Family Counsellor to join the team at our Palm Youth Rehab. Operating as a Residential Therapeutic Community, Palm provides treatment for young people aged 13-18 with serious alcohol or other drug related difficulties as well as mental health, trauma and other associated issues.  

The successful candidate will work closely with marginalised young people and provide assessment, case management, individual and group counselling, treatment planning and support to our clients and their families. A major aspect of this role is to assist young people to rebuild their relationships with their families and other significant people in their lives and to manage their lives more effectively.

Responsibilities and duties include, but not limited to:

• Conduct thorough assessment and be able to make clinical recommendations to the wider Palm team.

• Develop a comprehensive case treatment plan in collaboration with the young person.

• Provide regular individual counselling, as well as brief family interventions.

• Deliver case management services, including but not limited to organising and facilitating client appointments, liaising with aftercare services, following up client information and organising client medications.

• Facilitate planned, and impromptu group sessions.

• Support the residential team in the day to day implementation of the agreed care plan for each resident.

• Liaise with family and support networks regularly regarding treatment progress, including comprehensive exit planning.

• Maintain client records, including assessment and statistical records.

• Act as a clinical leader within the program, help to guide other staff through the treatment episode of each client.

Essential Selection Criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualifications e.g. psychology or counselling.

• Experience and demonstrated ability to work with young people between the ages of 13-18 years old.

• Experience in conducting clinical assessments, developing treatment plans, providing effective and compassionate individual counselling, delivering appropriate clinical interventions, and communicating clearly within a multidisciplinary team.

• Knowledge of and commitment to a Therapeutic Community model.

• Ability to work effectively both as a team member and as a practitioner with minimal supervision.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Strong personal and interpersonal boundaries.

• Commitment to the principles of harm minimisation and to the aims of the Ted Noffs Foundation.

• Must have a current and valid ACT WWVP and Driver Licence.

Desirable Selection Criteria   

• Experience in the drug and alcohol and/or residential sector.

• Registration or eligible for membership with AHPRA, PACFA or other professional association.

• Minimum 2 years direct counselling experience.

If you're looking for work that’s real, challenging, and genuinely makes a difference—you’ve found the right place. At Noffs, we stand beside young people who’ve faced adversity early in life, offering free, evidence-based treatment and genuine care. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and walk alongside these young people on their journey, we’d love to hear from you.

How To Apply

Submit your application via SEEK with a Resume and a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria. 

Ted Noffs Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunity and embraces diversity and inclusion within its workforce. As such, people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This includes, but is not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, People in the LGBTQIA+ community, People with Disability, Women and People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.

As interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, applicants are encouraged to apply at the earliest point and will be highly regarded. Interviews may be offered upon application. 

Please note only successful applicants will be contacted.