"Locum Counsellor"

Role type:

Fixed Term until December 2026 (Multiple positions available)

Department:

Student and Scholarly Services; DVCE

Salary:

UoM 7 - $111,275 - $120,453 p.a. plus 17% super

This is an exciting opportunity for a registered psychologist or accredited mental health social worker.

• High-impact counselling role supporting student and staff wellbeing / Diverse, complex clinical presentations / Collaborative, values-driven clinical team
• Apply now to use your clinical expertise to deliver brief, high-quality counselling that makes a measurable difference.
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

In this locum role, you will provide brief, evidence-based counselling to students and staff facing diverse challenges. You will deepen your skills in risk assessment, complex casework and telehealth within an inclusive, student-centred service.

What you will deliver:

• Provide brief assessments, short-term counselling interventions and appropriate referrals for students and staff across the University.
• Identify, assess and manage clients at high risk, developing collaborative risk management and safety plans as required.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical records and manage sensitive information in line with legislation, policies and CAPS guidelines.
• Deliver in-person and telehealth services using practice management systems, Microsoft 365, Zoom and related digital platforms.
• Participate in line supervision, peer review and professional development to maintain contemporary, reflective and high-quality clinical practice.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold full, current AHPRA psychologist registration or AASW mental health social worker accreditation with relevant postgraduate training.
• Bring demonstrated experience providing brief assessments, short-term counselling and effective referrals, ideally within a tertiary institution or similar setting.
• Demonstrate strong capability in assessing and managing risk, complex presentations and mental health or developmental issues within a short-term counselling model.
• Offer experience working therapeutically with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.
• Use digital practice systems confidently, including Microsoft 365, Zoom and electronic case management tools for service delivery.
• Value collaborative, inclusive team cultures and actively seek feedback to support continuous improvement and service excellence.

You may also:

• Be a clinical or counselling endorsed registered psychologist or accredited mental health social worker with a relevant postgraduate degree.
• Have proficiency to deliver counselling in languages in addition to English.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

CAPS is part of Wellbeing Services in Student and Scholarly Services and provides free psychological counselling to students and staff (both individual and group) and delivers a range of training and consultancy activities. The service is led by a Head, with three Senior Counsellors, overseeing the day-to-day operation of the service that comprises around 35 people including Counsellors, Locum/Psychology Registrars Counsellors, Intern Counsellors and reception/admin staff.

Working at the University – what you need to know

This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Apply now

Join Us and unlock your career potential!

Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• Provide a response to key selection criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Alexandra Beasley via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Position Description:

JR-011104 Locum Counsellor PD – PDF

JR-011104 Locum Counsellor PD – Word

Applications close: Thursday, 26 March 2026 at 11.55PM AEDT; Melbourne time.