Direct Services Rural and Regional Counsellor/Project Officer – Coffs Harbour #1075

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

The position is to provide a comprehensive assessment, referral and counselling service to Refugee and Special Humanitarian Program entrants living in the Coffs Harbour region of NSW.

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.

o Relocation costs may be considered.
o Visa Sponsorship or Sponsorship of 482 visa transfer may be provided for the right candidate.

Details

Download Position Description

Essential Criteria

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in counselling, social work, psychology, or a related field with eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association. If relevant, candidates may be placed on the NSW Professional Award Scale.
2. Demonstrated psychological assessment and counselling experience in a cross-cultural context.
3. Demonstrated understanding of the issues affecting refugees in particular resettlement issues, and the effects of torture on individuals, young people, families, and communities.
4. Demonstrated relevant group work and training skills.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of the cultures and health needs of refugee communities in Coffs Harbour and Northern NSW.
6. Knowledge and experience in community development, community liaison and advocacy.
7. Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team within a multicultural team and with minimum supervision.
8. Current NSW Driver’s Licence.

*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 31 October 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

NSW STARTTS