Counselling Team Lead

• Full-time or Part-time, permanent role, on-site in Shellharbour
• Lead and support a specialist counselling team within a recovery service
• Help shape therapeutic practice and support program evaluation

Be Recruitment is proud to partner with the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre to recruit a Counselling Team Leader.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a purpose-led organisation, combining clinical leadership with the opportunity to strengthen therapeutic practice and support women’s recovery.

Reporting to the Head of Programs and working alongside other team leaders, you will lead and support the Centre’s specialist counselling team.

About the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre

The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre supports women impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence through trauma-informed counselling, case management, group programs and holistic recovery supports.

As an Australian-first holistic recovery and healing service, the Centre provides an innovative model of support, co-designed with women with lived experience and centred on the needs, experiences and recovery journeys of women.

The Opportunity

This role combines direct therapeutic work, team leadership and the opportunity to contribute to service planning and evaluation.

You will lead a counselling team supporting women whose experiences of violence and trauma may intersect with complex mental health presentations and other support needs. Working collaboratively with the Head of Programs, fellow team leaders and external services, you will guide thoughtful, coordinated responses that keep each woman’s safety, choices and recovery goals central.

Regular external clinical supervision, internal supervision and reflective practice spaces will support you in your leadership and clinical work.

What You Will Do

• Lead, mentor and supervise the counselling team, balancing responsive team support with the operational needs of the service.
• Coordinate client allocation, workloads, service planning and day-to-day team operations.
• Provide clinical guidance on therapeutic interventions, psychosocial assessments and collaborative approaches to risk assessment and safety planning.
• Provide direct therapeutic support to women within a trauma and violence-informed, holistic and feminist framework.
• Collaborate with other team leaders and external services on shared care and coordinated recovery supports.
• Contribute to quality improvement and program evaluation through clinical insights, outcomes monitoring and accurate reporting.

About You

You are a confident and capable clinical leader who brings clarity and practical support, balancing the needs of your team with the priorities of an evolving service.
You will bring:

• Leadership experience within a therapeutic or counselling service supporting complex mental health presentations, community-based mental health needs or women impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in counselling, psychology or social work, with current membership or registration, or eligibility for membership or registration, with the relevant professional body.
• Strong clinical knowledge and direct therapeutic experience, including supporting people impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence within a trauma-informed, client-centred and feminist framework.
• Sound clinical judgement and supportive leadership, with the ability to guide practitioners through complex presentations, support collaborative risk assessment and safety planning, and provide clear supervision and practical guidance.
• Operational and administrative capability, with the ability to balance organisational priorities and team needs, supported by sound skills in reporting, documentation and people management.
• Flexibility and a collaborative approach, with the ability to work positively within an evolving service, build strong relationships and contribute to culturally safe practice.
• A driver’s licence and access to a vehicle are required.

What the Centre Offers

• A collaborative and values-driven team environment.
• Regular external clinical supervision, internal supervision and reflective practice opportunities.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Salary packaging.
• Additional annual and wellbeing leave.
• The opportunity to work within an Australian-first holistic recovery and healing service and make a meaningful impact on the lives of women.

Apply

Apply now or contact Alana at Be Recruitment at alana@berecruitment.com.au or 0481 814 488 for a confidential discussion.

This is a women-only position. Being female is a genuine occupational qualification for this role under Section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)
Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude your application. We recognise that women can have experiences with the criminal justice system that are discriminatory and unjust. For example, women may be misidentified as a primary offender in DFSV situations. We also acknowledge that women can move on from their past.
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or support during the interview or assessment stages, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.
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