Employment Counsellor

Employment Counsellor – Customised Employment Ability Works is a leading provider of tailored employment opportunities for people living with disability. We help individuals discover their potential, build pride and purpose through work, and achieve meaningful, sustainable employment in mainstream roles. Our Customised Employment approach combines deep insight into each person's interests and strengths with proactive engagement with employers—creating jobs where none existed before. We're looking for a passionate Employment Counsellor to join our growing Customised Employment team and help transform lives through work. About the role Working alongside qualified Counsellors, you'll explore what matters most to each individual—their interests, passions, skills, and goals—then use those insights to connect with employers and create tailored employment opportunities. You'll deliver one‑on‑one employment counselling, coordinate with families and support networks, and work to achieve sustainable mainstream employment outcomes. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on problem‑solving, relationship building, and making a real social impact. Location: We are looking for applicants from across Melbourne to service our community outreach locations. Employment type: Full‑Time What you'll do Deliver employment counselling using self‑determination and Customised Employment methodology to help individuals with disability secure meaningful mainstream work Promote the Customised Employment service—generating referrals and building strong community partnerships Complete detailed case notes, reports, and quarterly reviews, keeping individuals and their families informed and engaged throughout the process Deliver presentations and webinars on employment counselling, Customised Employment, and inclusive hiring practices Contribute to service planning, decision‑making, marketing materials (using Canva), and social media promotions Ensure NDIS practice standards and code of conduct are upheld, and maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture Performance targets: 50% of clients placed into mainstream employment after 6 months of counselling; 75% after 12 months. About you University degree in Counselling (or related field such as social work, community services, or psychology) Certified Counselling registration (ACA Australian Counselling Association or PACFA The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) Formal qualifications or experience working with people with disability and/or barriers to employment Current Victorian driver's licence and NDIS Worker Screening clearance Level 2 First Aid (or willingness to obtain) Competency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and client management software Strong relationship‑building, conflict management, and communication skills—able to have difficult conversations with empathy and respect Lived experience in the area of disability or mental health Working knowledge of the NDIS, including funding models, support coordination, and practice standards Why join Ability Works? Our values, Adaptive, Empowering, Inclusive, Outcomes‑Focused, and Uplifting, aren't just words; they shape how we work every day. You'll be part of a collaborative, innovative team that celebrates diversity, supports continuous learning, and genuinely believes in the power of employment to change lives. Our Commitment to Diversity Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples People with disabilities Culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD) Mature‑aged workers and career changers People with lived experience of disadvantage or employment barriers We provide recruitment adjustments to ensure your full participation in the application process. Contact Kim at **@abilityworks.com.au with the subject line “Employment Counsellor – Recruitment Support” or call 7***. #J-18808-Ljbffr