Counsellor

Max term till Dec 2026 Full time

Salary: $87K + Super + NFP Salary Packaging

Location: Cairns QLD 4870

Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we stand together with anyone who needs us, for as long as they need us. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

Are you a qualified counsellor with a passion for supporting people to break the cycle of long-term homelessness and substance use challenges?

Do you thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment where your expertise truly changes lives?

We’re looking for a dedicated Specialist Counsellor to join our team at Douglas and Woree House, where we offer trauma-informed, person-centred support to individuals on their recovery and housing journey.

Douglas House is a 22-bed residential program providing safe, supported accommodation for people experiencing long-term homelessness. Through intensive case management, life skills development, and therapeutic support, we empower residents to transition into sustainable, independent living.

Reporting to the Program Manager, your key responsibilities will be to:

Providing individualised, specialist counselling to residents in the program

Supporting the Coordinator in the design and delivery of life skills and psycho-educational programs

Applying SMART Recovery principles and tools in your therapeutic work

Delivering professional assessments, case management input, and ongoing support to clients

Maintaining a safe, supportive environment through adherence to policies, procedures, and best-practice frameworks

Requirements for Success

Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Behavioural Sciences, or a related human services field

Experience in AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) and trauma-informed counselling (highly regarded)

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information effectively

Confidence in risk assessment and the ability to proactively manage and resolve issues

Solid computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Your benefits

Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference

Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)

Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave

Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support

Volunteering opportunities

Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

Our culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia.

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.

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