Senior Counsellor, Domestic and Family Violence

About Us

For over 140 years we have been working at the forefront of gender equality through our housing, community programs and advocacy. Our five-year plan has a focus on making young women’s leadership and women’s housing our priority for gender equity in Australia.

About the team

The Gendered Violence and Family Programs Team provided a vital role in supporting cis, non-binary and gender diverse women and their families impacted by domestic and family violence. Joining our Gendered Violence and Family Programs Team means becoming part of a passionate group committed to trauma-informed, client-centred care and meaningful social change.

About the role

We are seeking a talented Senior Counsellor to provide one-on-one and group-based counselling supporting cis, non-binary and gender diverse women domestic and family violence, focused on improving safety and wellbeing.

In this role you will:

• Provide one-on-one and group-based, strength-focused counselling, using evidence-based approaches.
• In collaboration with the Manager, support and mentor the domestic and family violence team fostering professional growth and wellbeing.
• Assist in meeting funding and reporting obligations, including data collection, evaluations, and compliance with organisational requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external agencies to enhance service delivery and collaboration.
• Lead by example, promoting YWCA’s values, continuous improvement, and safe, inclusive work practices, including participation in the after-hours on-call roster.

About You

The ideal applicant will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, or Counselling, with eligibility for professional membership (e.g., AHPRA, PACFA, AASW, ACA).
• Proven experience in domestic and family violence counselling and leadership roles, with strong knowledge of counselling practices.
• Skilled in mentoring, building capability, and fostering collaborative relationships through clear, tailored communication.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and a strong commitment to women’s rights, social justice, and advocacy.
• Hold or able to hold a valid working with children/vulnerable people check
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector is highly desirable.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At YWCA Australia we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace.  If this role speaks to you but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Thinking of relocating to the Top End?

Whether you're based outside Darwin or considering a lifestyle change, this is your chance to take a meaningful step forward in your career while making a real impact.

• Extra leave – enjoy an additional week of annual leave
• Relocation allowance – we’ll help you make the move
• 14 weeks paid parental leave – with superannuation
• Ongoing learning and development – grow your skills and career

What to expect

Before you start, successful candidates will need to complete the following pre-employment checks:

• National Criminal History Check
• Valid State-Based Working with Children Permit
• Medical Declaration

How To Apply

Ready to join a team that makes a difference? We want to hear from you!

Click ‘Apply’ to submit your resume/CV and a cover letter outlining why you are the ideal candidate for this role!

Applications close on 27 July 2025.

We’re excited to find the right fit and will be reviewing applications as they come in. Submit yours early for priority consideration, as the role may close before the advertised deadline.

Please connect with us at any time during the recruitment process if you require assistance to fully participate. 

Questions?

If you have questions about this opportunity please contact Julia Cropley, Manager, Gendered Violence and Family Programs – E: Julia.C@ywca.org.au.