Counsellor (9-month fixed-term contract)

Sonder; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonder is seeking a Registered Counsellor to join the Member Support team on a 9‑month fixed‑term contract covering parental leave. You’ll provide short‑term therapy via telehealth, guided by Sonder’s stepped care model, with supervision and QA support from senior clinicians.

You’ll develop goal‑directed treatment plans, assess risk, and ensure joined‑up care across providers. A strong commitment to evidence‑based practice and cultural safety is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Counselling from an Australian institution (ACA or PACFA pathway).
• Current PACFA (Clinical) or ACA (Level 3+) membership, with required supervision for unrestricted clinical membership.
• At least 3 years of direct 1:1 therapy experience with adults, including assessment and treatment planning.
• Experience with a range of mental health presentations and knowledge of age of consent and child protection obligations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver structured, time‑limited therapy within Sonder’s Model of Care and scope of registration.
• Develop goal‑directed treatment plans with members, linked to outcome measures at intake and closure.
• Recognise clinical risk in sessions and escalate as needed to senior clinicians.
• Coordinate with internal and external providers to ensure continuous, joined‑up care.
• Keep accurate, timely case notes with 24‑hour turnaround after each session.
• Participate in individual and group supervision, peer case reviews and QA programs.
• Practise in a culturally safe and responsive way with diverse ages and backgrounds.

Skills

Telehealth delivery

Time management

Evidence‑based practice

Cultural safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Counselling (ACA/PACFA)

Job description

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 escalat[e]
• 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