Gender Based Violence and Wellbeing Counsellor

• Full-time, Fixed-term, 12-month opportunity at HEW Level 8.
• Penrith campus with hybrid working arrangements.
• Salary: $118,969 – $132,069 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Help create a safer, more supportive university community by providing specialist trauma-informed counselling and leading responses to gender-based violence that empower students to thrive.

The Opportunity
Every student's experience matters. As our Gender Based Violence and Wellbeing Counsellor, you'll play an important role in supporting students through some of the most challenging moments of their lives, providing compassionate, evidence-based care that promotes safety, recovery and academic success.

Working within Western's Counselling and Wellbeing team, you'll deliver specialist counselling, crisis intervention and case management for students experiencing trauma, gender-based violence and complex mental health concerns. You'll undertake comprehensive psychosocial and risk assessments, develop safety plans, and work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external agencies to ensure students receive coordinated and timely support.

Beyond individual support, you'll help shape a safer university community by designing and delivering education programs, building staff capability, and contributing to the ongoing development of trauma-informed policies, procedures and service improvements. This is an opportunity to influence both individual outcomes and broader organisational practice.

If you're passionate about trauma-informed care, collaborative practice and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, we'd love to hear from you.

What Success Looks Like:

In this role you will:

• Provide high-quality, trauma-informed counselling and crisis support for students experiencing complex mental health concerns and gender-based violence.
• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial and risk assessments, including suicide and violence risk, and develop effective safety and support plans.
• Build trusted relationships with students, colleagues and external service providers to deliver coordinated, person-centred care.
• Deliver engaging training and wellbeing initiatives that strengthen awareness, prevention and early intervention across the University.
• Contribute to continuous improvement through professional practice, accurate case management and the ongoing enhancement of trauma-informed services.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You
You are an experienced counsellor who combines clinical expertise with empathy, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to student wellbeing. You thrive in collaborative environments, can confidently respond to complex situations, and are passionate about creating safe, inclusive and supportive communities.

You will bring:

• Qualifications in Social Work or Psychology with current AASW or AHPRA registration or membership.
• Demonstrated minimum of five years' post-qualification clinical counselling experience, including case management of individuals experiencing trauma, gender-based violence, and complex mental health concerns
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed practice, risk assessment and crisis intervention.
• Experience delivering education, training or prevention initiatives that build capability and promote wellbeing.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Rhiannon Grime, Manager, Counselling Service via r.grime@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1613P.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 26 July 2026.
• Checks: Appointment to this position is subject to a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for paid employment in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW).
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.