Counsellor Educator (Youth)
18 month fixed-term contract with possibility of extension.
76 hours per fortnight, Monday – Thursday 12:00pm to 8:00 and Friday standard hours of 7.6 (8:30am -4:30pm)
Binjareb - Mandurah WA
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Make a Real Impact at Palmerston Association
Since 1980, Palmerston has been a leader in AOD support across WA, helping people improve their wellbeing. We offer specialised services in alcohol and other drug treatment, mental health, and wellbeing, through counselling, group support, residential rehabilitation, and education—reaching communities across the Perth metro, Peel, South West, and Great Southern regions.
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About the Role
Here's your opportunity to be part of a passionate, purpose-driven team that's making a genuine difference every day.
We are seeking a skilled and knowledgeable Counsellor Educator to deliver culturally secure counselling, education, and support to young people aged 10–17 in the Peel region of Western Australia. This role forms part of the Kedala Mia Youth Dayhab Program and focuses on working with young people experiencing alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues, co-occurring mental health challenges, offending behaviours, and other complex needs.
About the Kedala Mia Youth Dayhab :
The Kedala Mia Youth Dayhab is a new 10-week program for young people 10–17-year-old in the Peel region of Western Australia with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) problems experienced alongside offending behaviour and other complexities. The program acts as a 'circuit breaker' in periods of crisis by linking young people to the services and supports they need, with a target of meeting age-appropriate milestones in the key areas known to impact behavioural development.
Key Responsibilities:
* Collaborate closely with the Kedala Mia team to deliver diversionary supports and activities for young people participating in the Dayhab program.
* Conduct comprehensive assessments, provide individual counselling, manage cases, and facilitate referrals for young people accessing Kedala Mia Dayhab.
* Engage with other service providers to support young people's recovery from alcohol and other drug use and co-occurring mental health challenges through shared case management and collaborative consultation.
* Plan and facilitate engaging educational and therapeutic group sessions tailored to the needs of young participants.
* Maintain up-to-date and accurate clinical documentation, including care plans, case notes, and outcome evaluations.
This role is classified at Level 4 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010.
This role requires confidence, compassion, and a steady presence. Working alongside vulnerable individuals means facing complex situations, high emotions, and occasional setbacks. That's why we're looking for someone who embodies compassion, connection, acceptance, and respect—someone who can offer unwavering support while maintaining the ability to navigate difficult moments with confidence and care. With a commitment to excellence in service, you'll provide the stability and encouragement that empowers individuals on their journey toward change.
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What We're Looking For
You're more than your qualifications—you're someone who brings heart, empathy, professionalism and a strong commitment to supporting clients in improving their wellbeing. The ideal candidate will meet the following selection criteria:
* Tertiary or equivalent or relevant qualifications in social, behavioural or health sciences or equivalent experience.
* Demonstrated and well-developed assessment and counselling and or case management skills.
* Experience in developing and delivering education and training programs.
* Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team.
* Ability to establish relationships effectively with a range of people from culturally and linguistically (CALD) diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a respectful and culturally secure way.
* Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
* A valid drivers license and a reliable vehicle is required for this role
* Experience Working with Young People.
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Why Join Us?
At Palmerston, we value people—our clients, our communities, and our staff. Here's what you can look forward to:
Great Benefits:
* Salary packaging up to $15,900 + $2,650 for meals/entertainment
* 5 days of life & wellness leave (pro rata)
* 9 weeks paid parental leave for the primary carer
* 2 weeks paid partner leave for non-primary carers
* Option to purchase an additional week of leave each year
* Partial access to long service leave after 5 years
* Flexible, family-friendly work arrangements
* 17.5% annual leave loading
* 5 days paid gender affirmation leave
Inclusive Culture:
* Cultural leave (2 paid + 8 unpaid days) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
* Staff-led working groups (RAP, Rainbow, Environmental, Disability Access & Inclusion)
* Aboriginal Staff Forum to connect and collaborate
* Our annual Big Day Out brings staff together from all sites to relax, connect and celebrate our work
* We're Rainbow Tick accredited—the first and only AOD provider in WA to achieve this
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How to Apply
Ready to bring your passion to Palmerston? We'd love to hear from you.
Click "Apply" on Seek Or, if its more convenient for you, drop off your application at one of our sites.
Be sure to include:
* Your resume
* A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
* Answers to all application questions
Applications close: 16th January 2026
We're reviewing applications as they come in—so don't wait
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A Few Final Details
You'll need a valid WA Working with Children Check and a National Police Clearance (issued within the last 3 months).
Got questions? Contact Chelsea Hunter at or email
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Diversity makes us stronger. We seek and welcome diversity and a breadth of experience and backgrounds in our teams. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people who identify as LGBTIQ+ are encouraged to apply.
Recruitment agencies, we appreciate your consideration. However, we strive to fill our opportunities through direct channels whenever feasible. If we require agency assistance, we will reach out.