Direct Services Child and Adolescent Counsellor/Project Officer #1165

Do you want to work in one of Australia’s leading organisations providing treatment and rehabilitation to torture and trauma survivors; that’s quality focused, diverse & committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable people in communities?

Come & join us!

The Organisation

STARTTS is a not-for-profit Affiliated Health Organisation focused on providing a broad range of services to refugees in NSW. The focus of STARTTS approach is on building capacity and empowering people and communities to take control over their own lives, using a strengths-based approach and building on individual, family, community and cultural strengths.

The Role

This position will be working within the STARTTS Community Development Team to work with support structures in the Mandaean community in Southwest Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) to increase the capacity of community leaders, volunteers, peer educators and community support structures to identify and support people at risk of suicide or severe mental health illness and make appropriate referrals. The position will deliver psycho-education and lifestyle/well-being group interventions to enable Mandaean community members to better identify signs of distress in themselves and develop appropriate coping strategies, develop mutually supportive relationships, break social isolation, reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health assistance, increase knowledge and access to a variety of mental health services.

Perks and Benefits

• Employment with attractive leave entitlements including 14 weeks paid parental leave, 4 weeks annual leave and paid Accrued Day Off (ADO) (full-time employees only) and other entitlements.
• Salary packaging options that reduce your taxable income and increase your take-home pay.
• Great education opportunities through our Training department.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members.
• Discounted gym memberships with a Fitness Passport.
• Active Social Club
• Potential access to Fleet cars
• Flexible hybrid work.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in counselling, social work, psychology, or a related field with eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association.
2. Demonstrated understanding of refugee issues, and the effects of torture and trauma on families,
   children and adolescents from a refugee background.
3. Demonstrated ability to conduct individual assessment and short to medium term interventions with children and adolescents.
4. Demonstrated experience in running groups with children and adolescents.
5. Demonstrated understanding of the NSW Education system and needs of children and adolescents.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and relevant experience in conducting training including ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team within a multicultural environment.
7. Demonstrated advocacy and community development skills and experience.
8. Current NSW Driver’s Licence.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

1. Relevant experience in conducting consultancy and support to school counsellors and teachers working with refugee children and adolescents.
2. Community development skills and experience in a multicultural context.

*This position is considered child-related employment and will require a Working with Children Background Check and a National Police Check.

Vaccination Requirements

**This role is a Category A role. It is mandatory for Category A workers to meet and maintain the vaccination criteria (as per the current NSW Health and STARTTS policies).

Vaccination and/or assessment is required for Category A workers for the following transmissible diseases – measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza and tuberculosis.

COVID19 vaccination is strongly recommended, but not a requirement for employment.

If successful you must provide evidence of vaccination and/or assessment.

Should you not be able to comply with vaccination requirements before your commencement date, the offer of employment may be withdrawn.

If you have a medical reason for why you cannot be vaccinated, a medical contraindication evidence will be required.

Our Commitment To Diversity, Equality, And Inclusion:

STARTTS is committed to equal employment opportunities and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and others who reflect the diversity of our society.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please ensure you address the selection criteria as thoroughly as possible.

1. Complete a https://www.startts.org.au/jobs/employment-application-form/
2. Write a Statement Against the above Essential Requirements outlining how you meet the selection criteria (see the guide “How to apply for a job at STARTTS”)
3. Submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
4. Provide copies of relevant Qualifications if applicable (overseas qualification must be assessed by an appropriate Australian body to be considered)
5. Statements of Service from previous relevant roles (if applicable, please ask us for a sample)
6. A cover letter is optional.
7. Email your application and supporting documents to: STTS-Jobs@health.nsw.gov.au

Closing date: Friday, 28 November 2025

NB: Depending on the role, if appointed, you may need a current ‘NSW Working With Children Check’ clearance, follow this link for information on how to apply of your check: https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/working-children-check/applicant