Counsellor

Student Journey

·         Fixed-term, part-time parental leave replacement until 13^th April 2027.  

·         $110,591 to $128,345 part time pro rata per annum (HEO 8) plus 17% employer superannuation

·         Salary packaging options are available

·         20 days family and domestic violence leave available per annum, part time pro rata

·         20 days gender affirmation leave per annum, part time pro rata

·         10 days Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and ceremonial leave per annum, part time pro rata

·         5 weeks annual leave plus Christmas week shutdown, per annum, part time pro rata

·         Applicants must have appropriate Australian work rights for the duration of this position (UNE will not provide sponsorship for this position)

Acknowledgement of Country

The University of New England (UNE) is a regionally based, globally networked university renowned for the quality of its student experience and the excellence of its research specialisations. In addition, UNE pioneered teaching to external students making it the most experienced provider of distance and innovative online education.

UNE emphasises its people, staff and students' growth and development. We aspire to be a leader in innovation and change and a centre for the Armidale and the North-West communities.

Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to the core values of UNE and we are committed to engaging, supporting and growing a richly diverse workforce. From the Oorala Aboriginal Centre at the heart of our campus, to the inclusive organisations such as the UNE Ally Network, the UNE Women’s Society, and the many international cultural groups - all will feel valued and respected at UNE.

You will embody the UNE values and strive to be Open, Enquiring, Exceptional and Making a Difference. Additionally, you will be committed to achieving the goals embedded in the Future Fit Strategic Plan 2021-2030.

About the role

The UNE Student Counselling and Psychological Service (CAPS) is looking to recruit a motivated and skilled Counsellor to join their dynamic team. This position will provide counselling support to online students, with a focus on supporting students residing in the large residential college system.

In addition, the successful applicant will provide workshops and webinars as required and support academic staff to enhance the mental wellbeing of our student cohort.

The position will report to the Manager, CAPS and provide/receive peer consultation with the on-campus and remote staff who work within the team. The successful candidate will be supported to maintain their required professional development quota and AHPRA registration.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience in the provision of individual counselling using empirically-researched therapeutic modalities
• Willingness to deliver workshops or online webinars
• Strong communication skills to work with students, staff and community partners
• Focus on contributing to the positive dynamic of the team
• Ability to work independently to manage caseload and maintain up to date records as per Code of Ethics requirements
• Strong administration skills
• An interest in innovation and creative problem-solving to assist in the ongoing service uplift goals

About the CAPS Group

CAPS is comprised of a team of psychologists who provide free counselling support to currently enrolled UNE students. The team is supported by reception, who manage bookings and enquiries and is also assisted by an externally-funded 24/7 call centre called the UNE Urgent Mental Health line.

On average, the service conducts 70 counselling appointments a week. Counselling appointments are conducted in-person (on the Armidale campus), via phone or Zoom. Students access the service for a range of concerns, including situational stressors, psychological study support, adjustment concerns and mental health support needs. Typically, the service operates under a brief-intervention model, offering students 3-4 sessions per trimester and refers complex mental health concerns to our community partners.

The service works closely (and shares reception) with the Student Accessibility and Wellbeing Office (SAWO), who provide support for students requiring adjustments to their study due to extenuating circumstances.

In addition, the service provides a number of outreach activities, including support programs for Residential Leaders (senior students residing in the colleges), online webinars and consultation for academic and residential staff. Community outreach is a service goal, and counsellors are encouraged to maintain professional connection to key stake holders, such as Community Mental Health services and GPs.

The successful candidate will be joining a team of passionate, supportive colleagues who are motivated to assist our students to obtain a sense of belonging, purpose and achievement on their tertiary journey.

About Armidale

Armidale is an attractive and vibrant city that combines all the features of a bustling regional town centre with the tranquillity of rural living. It boasts gourmet restaurants and cafes, boutique shopping, quality schools and sporting facilities. Surrounded by mountain gorges, waterfalls and national parks, Armidale’s natural beauty and distinct seasons make it an ideal place to live and thrive. To find out more, visit https://www.visitarmidale.com.au/experience

Enquiries and additional information

To discuss this role please contact Gwen Shumack, Manager, CAPS, phone: 02 6773 2897 email: [email protected]

This position is a parental leave replacement and the appointment is subject to the staff member’s leave arrangements.  Should the staff member on parental leave vary their return to work arrangements, this contract may be terminated earlier by giving four weeks’ notice.

Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday, 15 February 2026

Reference No:   225190

For further information about this position, please see the Position Statement below.

Please visit www.une.edu.au/jobs-at-une for further information about this position and other career opportunities at UNE.]

To Apply

Please submit the following documents by clicking the Apply Now button below:

Submit your application through www.une.edu.au/jobs-at-une and refer to vacancy ref 225190.

Your application should be comprised of:

              i.        Covering letter;

             ii.        Responses to selection criteria (please refer to the position statement);

            iii.        Current CV.

Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

UNE is committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTQIA+ people. 

About Our Process

At UNE, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of this role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome. The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencing in this role as indicated in the position statement. Please visit our Privacy Statement to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

National Police Check

If you are the successful candidate for this role you will be required to provide UNE with a National Police Check prior to your commencement. Please note that people with criminal records are NOT automatically barred from applying for this position (unless there is a particular requirement under law).

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