Specialist Support Counsellor - Gendered Violence

Job Description:

• Employment Type: 2 roles available – part-time (3 days/week, until Dec 2026) and full-time (12-month fixed term)
• Remuneration: $127351 to $143489 Full Time Equivalent depending on experience + 17% superannuation (level 8)
• Location: Kensington UNSW Campus

Why Your Role Matters

The Specialist Support Counsellor - Gendered Violence provides trauma-informed counselling, case management, advocacy and support to students who have experienced gendered violence including sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and domestic or family violence.

You will support students through some of their most difficult experiences, providing a safe, respectful, and compassionate space where they can be heard, supported, and guided.

Working as part of the UNSW Gendered Violence Response Team within Psychology & Wellness, you will play a critical role in helping them navigate complex and sensitive situations, using a culturally responsive, person centred and trauma-informed approach that recognises the diverse ways trauma can present.

We have two roles available, designed to suit different working arrangements:

• Part-time (3 days per week) until December 2026
• Full-time (12-month contract)

For the part-time role, days are flexible (Monday–Friday), with Wednesday preferred to support team connection onsite. Due to the sensitive nature of this work, these roles are primarily campus-based.

These two opportunities may suit professionals seeking flexibility (e.g. balancing private practice or other commitments), as well as those available for a full-time contract. You will be able to indicate your preferred contract option (or interest in both) during the application process.

The role reports to the Clinical Lead, Wellness Support and has no direct reports.

Key responsibilities summary

• Provide specialist counselling, case management and disclosure support to students and members of the UNSW community impacted by sexual assault, sexual harassment, and domestic or family violence, including crisis support where required
• Deliver trauma-informed mental health assessment and gender-based violence tailored to students from diverse cultural, social, and educational backgrounds
• Strong understanding of gendered violence as a systemic issue, including the impacts of gender inequality, coercive control, structural disadvantage and intersecting identities on help‑seeking and recovery.
• Manage complex cases and support students to navigate university processes and access appropriate services
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure students receive coordinated and holistic care
• Promote awareness of gendered violence and pathways to support within the University community
• Contribute to wellbeing initiatives, including education sessions and mental health literacy activities
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation in line with privacy and compliance requirements
• Participate in multidisciplinary case discussions and contribute to continuous improvement of services

Who You Are

We’re looking for experienced, compassionate practitioners who bring both expertise and empathy to their work. You will bring:

• Full AHPRA registration as a Psychologist, or accreditation as a Mental Health Social Worker (AASW) or ability to obtain mental health accreditation
• Demonstrated experience supporting individuals impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, or related trauma (highly desirable)
• A strong understanding of how trauma can present in different ways, and the ability to respond with sensitivity and care
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and support students from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary environments and liaising with a range of stakeholders
• Ability to manage complex and sensitive situations with professionalism, sound judgement, and compassion
• High level of digital literacy, including experience with clinical systems and/or telehealth platforms
• Experience working in higher education or with young adults is ideal
• Ability to speak Mandarin or another language is highly regarded

Candidates will need to have full working rights – this role is not available for sponsorship. All candidates will also need a valid work with children check and police check.

Recruitment process:

Please submit your resume as well as a cover letter that addresses your experience, your suitability for the role and why you are interested.

Applications close: 20th May 11.55PM. The shortlisting process won't be starting until the job ad closes so don't worry if you don't hear from us until then.

Get in touch for any question or support: Anne de Voronine, Talent Acquisition Associate, a.de_voronine@unsw.edu.au

Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.