Counsellor (9-month fixed-term contract)

Sonder.io; Australia; Remote; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonder is seeking a Registered Counsellor for a 9-month fixed-term parental leave cover in Australia. You will deliver short-term therapy via telehealth within our stepped-care model, under supervision and with a clear path to professional development.

A clinically registered counsellor will join a collaborative support team and complete an induction before independent caseloads. You will work under supervision from Senior Clinicians and the Practice Manager, ensure timely notes, and contribute

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Counselling from an Australian institution (ACA/PACFA pathway).
• PACFA (Clinical) or ACA (Level 3+) membership required.
• At least 3 years of direct 1:1 therapy with adults.
• Experience with diverse mental health presentations; understanding consent and child protection.

Responsibilities

• Deliver structured, time-limited therapy within Sonder’s Model of Care and your scope of registration.
• Develop goal-directed treatment plans with members, linked to outcome measures at intake and closure.
• Recognise clinical risk and escalate to Senior Psychologist or on-call clinician.
• Coordinate with internal and external providers for joined-up care.
• Maintain accurate case notes within 24 hours of each session.
• Participate in supervision, peer reviews, and QA program.
• Practice in a culturally safe and responsive way with diverse ages and backgrounds.

Skills

Therapy experience

Telehealth delivery

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Risk assessment

Clinical supervision

Documentation

Cultural safety

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Counselling (Australia)

PACFA/ACA registration

Job description

Counsellor (9-month fixed-term contract)

Australia

Sonder exists so every person can feel safe, supported and empowered to be at their best, wherever they are. Our mobile platform gives members 24/7, real-time access to a team of safety, medical and mental health professionals. In critical situations, we go beyond digital support with on-the-ground help. We support over one million members across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

About the role

We’re looking for a Registered Counsellor to join our Member Support team on a 9-month fixed-term contract, covering a colleague’s parental leave. The contract will ideally run from late November / early December 2026 to August 2027.

You’ll deliver solution-focused, short-term therapy to members using Sonder’s stepped care model. Members come to you via telehealth, after a triage assessment by our Support Centre.

Clinically, you’ll be supported by our our Senior Support Centre Psychologist and Senior Clinicians, who will provide you supervision, quality assurance and clinical professional development. Operationally, our Practice Manager and Team Leader manage your day-to-day workflow. You’ll complete Sonder’s clinical induction program before taking on an independent caseload.

What you’ll be doing

• Delivering structured, time-limited therapy within Sonder’s Model of Care and your scope of registration
• Developing goal-directed treatment plans with members, linked to outcome measures (DASS-21 or equivalent) at intake and closure
• Recognising clinical risk in session and escalating presentations beyond Level 2 scope to the Senior Psychologist or on-call clinician
• Coordinating with internal and external providers so members get continuous, joined-up care
• Keeping accurate, timely case notes, with notes completed within 24 hours of each session
• Taking part in individual and group supervision, peer case reviews, and Sonder’s QA program
• Practising in a culturally safe and responsive way with members from diverse ages and backgrounds

What you’ll bring

• A Bachelor’s degree in Counselling (minimum) from an Australian institution, through an ACA or PACFA accredited training pathway
• Current membership of PACFA (Clinical) or ACA (Level 3 or above), with the post-qualifying experience and supervision required for unrestricted clinical membership
• At least 3 years of direct 1:1 therapy experience with adults, including assessment and individualised treatment planning
• Experience working with a range of mental health presentations, and an understanding of age of consent and child protection obligations
• Confidence working in a multidisciplinary team and knowing when to elevate
• Comfort learning new technology, as all sessions are delivered via telehealth
• Resilience, strong time management, and a genuine commitment to evidence-based practice

A few things to know

• This is a fixed-term contract with a firm end date in August 2027.
• You’ll need a current National Police Check, a valid Working with Children Check, and evidence of current professional registration

Check out our life page for more info - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sondersafe/life/

Due to the nature of our industry, all Sonder employees are required to complete a National Police Check and WWCC

The salary range for this role is 90-110,000 + super (pro rata).