Counsellor, Residential Life (Two Positions available)
Job no: 0062845 & 0062847
Location: Parkville
Role type: 2 x Full-time or 0.8 FTE; Continuing
Department: Student and Scholarly Services- Counselling and Psychological Services
Salary: UOM 8– - $119,752 - $129,607 p.a (pro rata for part-time) plus 17% super
- Provide counselling and psychological services to the University Colleges and Residential Life portfolio
- Join a small and supportive team
- Brilliant benefits and work environment!
As required by clause 1.15.9 of the 2024 EA, after seven days of internal advertising, current casual or fixed-term employees of the University will be provided with prior opportunity to apply for and be considered for vacant continuing positions if they meet the following criteria:
- they have been employed by the University over two or more semesters and over two consecutive calendar years,
- they have been employed on a 0.5 FTE or more time fraction, and
- they have the skills, experience, qualifications, and expertise required by the Selection Criteria.
In addition, redeployment candidates will be given a prior opportunity under the Recruitment and Appointment Policy together; this cohort is known as Priority Candidates.
About the Role
The Counsellor Residential Life positions provide psychological counselling, and training and consultancy activities, consistent with CAPS operational guidelines. Psychological counselling is focused on triage, initial assessment, shorter-term treatment and/or appropriate referral, with specific emphasis on the identification and management of clients in high-risk situations.
As Counsellor Residential Life, you will focus on the provision of counselling and psychological services to the University Colleges and Residential Life portfolio. You will also be involved in the delivery of clinical supervision to interns on placement with CAPS and work closely with the Director, University Colleges and Residential Life, Residential Program Managers and Community Managers to improve the wellbeing and safety of residents and staff.
The positions are located at both the Parkville campus and on-site at the five residential accommodations for part of the working week.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Provide a high standard of psychological counselling including initial assessment, with an emphasis on the identification and management of clients in high-risk situations, and appropriate referral and/or shorter-term treatment intervention
- Participate in regular CAPS supervision, case-management/peer review processes and maintain appropriate case records and management of sensitive client information
- Provide a high standard of in-person and online psychological activities that promote wellbeing and safety of residents and staff including workshops, mental health and wellbeing literacy programs
- Provide consultancy, support, advice and policy recommendations regarding student wellbeing and safety to the Residential Life Director and Team Managers
Who we are looking for
We’re looking for experienced Counsellors with excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across the health and residential life area. You will demonstrate cultural awareness and have the ability to work positively and productively with individuals from a variety of international, racial and religious backgrounds.
You will also have:
- AHPRA psychologist registration (clinical or counselling endorsement) or accreditation as a mental health social worker with a relevant postgraduate degree at master’s level or above or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education/training
- Full membership or eligibility for a membership, of the AASW or APS or equivalent
- Demonstrated experience in the assessment and management of complex clinical matters, cognitive and emotional, mental health, and developmental issues
- Extensive post-qualification experience in the provision of counselling and psychotherapeutic services, including with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements please refer to the attached PD.
This role requires the successful candidate to undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. 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.
Your new team – Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is part of the Wellbeing suite of services in Student Success, Student and Scholarly Services. CAPS provides free psychological counselling to students and staff and delivers a range of training and consultancy activities. The service is led by a Manager, with three Senior Counsellors, overseeing the day-to-day operation of the service and comprises around 30 people including Counsellors, Locum/Psychology Registrar Counsellors, Intern Counsellors and reception/administration staff.
What we offer you!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services, and discounts on graduate courses. For more information check out
our benefits page!
The University of MelbourneWe’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. 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 and stay connected with our stories and people on
LinkedIn.
Be yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities, and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality, and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit
our Diversity and Inclusion page.
We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the employee listed on the first page of the Position Description found below, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture, and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.
Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
- The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Maddison Ryan 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 contact details listed on the Position Description.
Advertised: 07 Jun 2024 12:05 AM AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 23 Jun 2024 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time