Bereavement Counsellor in Warrnambool

Make a meaningful difference to young people and families experiencing grief and loss.

The Crystal Lee Foundation is seeking a compassionate and experienced Bereavement Counsellor to join our small, purpose-driven organisation and deliver free professional counselling to young people and families across South West Victoria.

Established in 2019 following the death of 19-year-old Crystal Lee Johnson, the Foundation supports local families impacted by childhood cancer and grief.

Our work is shaped by lived experience and a commitment to addressing the isolation, service gaps and financial pressures faced by regional families.

About the role

As our Bereavement Counsellor, you will provide high-quality, evidence-informed and person-centred counselling to young people, or adults who have experienced the loss of a young person.

You will work primarily from the Foundation’s counselling space in Warrnambool, with travel at least once per month to other areas within South West Victoria.

The days and hours of work are flexible and can be arranged to fit around your lifestyle or another role.

This is an opportunity to work autonomously within a supportive, values-driven organisation where your professional skills can have a genuine impact on the lives of local families.

About you

• Required
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in counselling, psychology, social work or another recognised mental health/counselling discipline.
• Eligibility for membership of, or registration to, a relevant professional body.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering high-quality counselling services and supporting people experiencing grief and loss.
• Knowledge of current loss, grief and bereavement theory and practice, including management of suicide risk.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage sensitively with diverse client groups.
• Sound time management, planning, and organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate and timely clinical records
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience using client management systems.
• Satisfactory completion of screening including a National Police check, International Police check (if required), a current Victorian Working with Children Check (Employee), current Victorian Drivers Licence, and the right to work in Australia.
• Highly regarded
• Training or qualifications in bereavement counselling.
• Experience supporting young people and/or families.
• Knowledge of local health, mental health and community services across South West Victoria.
• Personal Attributes
• Deeply empathetic, with the ability to hold space for people in acute grief
• Committed to evidence-informed practice and ongoing professional development
• Organised and thorough, with strong attention to clinical documentation
• Self-motivated to perform duties and meet expectations with minimal supervision

This is a part-time fixed-term position through to 30 June 2027 , subject to current program funding, with the possibility of extension subject to future funding.

A three-month probationary period applies.

The successful applicant will be required to hold or obtain

• National Police Check
• International Police Check, if required
• Victorian Working with Children Check (Employee)
• Current Victorian Driver Licence
• Roadworthy vehicle
• Right to work in Australia
• Membership of an appropriate professional body, such as AASW, Psychology Board of Australia, APS, ACA, PACFA, ASPEA or another relevant professional body.
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