Counsellor jobs in Melbourne, VIC

Counsellor work in Melbourne, VIC

Counsellor roles in Melbourne, VIC sit within post-Royal Commission investment has created strong demand, particularly in community mental health, crisis services, and the lived experience workforce. Outer metropolitan areas offer above-award incentives in some services. counsellor positions are found across public health services, community organisations, and private practice in the region.

Counselling in Australia is a broad field practiced by professionals from a range of backgrounds. Counsellors use therapeutic approaches such as person-centred therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, narrative therapy, and CBT to support clients through emotional difficulties. While counselling is not a protected title in Australia, professional membership through PACFA or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) is expected by most employers.

Victoria's mental health system underwent significant reform following the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, with substantial investment in community-based services, lived experience workforce, and prevention. Melbourne sits at the centre of this transformation — new mental health and wellbeing services, Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services (LAOMHWS), and expanded crisis services are actively recruiting.

Qualifications typically required

• Diploma or Bachelor of Counselling, or equivalent
• PACFA or ACA professional membership
• Working with Children Check (for roles involving minors)
• NDIS Worker Screening Check for disability sector roles

Key employers in Melbourne, VIC

• Alfred Health
• Melbourne Health (NorthWestern Mental Health)
• Eastern Health
• Orygen
• Peninsula Health
• headspace
• Mind Australia
• EACH
• cohealth