Coronial Counsellor – Early Intervention Counselling Pilot
Location: Phillip, ACT
Rate: $180–$200 per hour + Super
Start: ASAP (pending Police Check)
Contract Duration: Until June 2026
Working Arrangement: Onsite – Canberra region applicants only
About the Role
We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Coronial Counsellor to support families affected by sudden deaths under the jurisdiction of the ACT Coroner.
This role forms part of an Early Intervention Counselling Pilot, providing trauma-informed support to bereaved families in the immediate aftermath of a death. You will work closely with the Coroners Court and partner agencies to deliver crisis counselling, guidance through coronial processes, and referrals to longer-term support services.
The engagement with families is typically short-term, focusing on providing immediate emotional support and information during an extremely sensitive time.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide crisis and grief counselling to families following sudden or unexpected deaths.
* Contact referred family members within one business day to provide support and information.
* Support families attending identification viewings at the Forensic Medicine Centre.
* Provide counselling via phone, WebEx, or in person as required.
* Explain coronial processes in a clear, compassionate and supportive manner.
* Facilitate referrals to long-term counselling and support services.
* Maintain accurate case notes and confidential records.
* Liaise with Coroners Court staff, Australian Federal Police and other service providers.
* Provide expert therapeutic advice to support best-practice engagement with bereaved families.
Work Schedule Services are delivered Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Expected weekly service delivery includes:
* Initial family contact and information support
* Phone counselling sessions
* Attendance at identification or viewing appointments
* Follow-up counselling where required
Estimated 20 hours per week of service delivery.
About You
You are an experienced counsellor or clinician who is comfortable working in highly sensitive environments and supporting individuals experiencing acute grief and trauma.
You will bring:
* Strong trauma-informed counselling skills
* Experience supporting individuals during grief, crisis, or sudden loss
* Excellent communication and empathy
* Ability to maintain professionalism in emotionally challenging environments
Essential Requirements
* Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work or similar
* Eligibility for membership with a relevant professional body (APS, AASW or similar)
* Demonstrated experience in grief, trauma or crisis counselling
* Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) clearance
* Current Police Check
* External clinical supervision in place prior to commencement
Important Note This role involves exposure to confronting subject matter including sudden death, suicide, homicide and road trauma. Applicants must be able to manage sensitive information and emotionally challenging environments.
How to Apply If you are a skilled counsellor with experience supporting individuals during crisis and grief, we encourage you to apply.
This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families navigating the immediate aftermath of loss.