How to become an approved counsellor under the Victims Support Scheme
Victims Services invites applications from qualified and experienced professionals interested in becoming an approved counsellor under the NSW Victims Support Scheme.
Victims Services is here to help. Call the Victims Access Line 1800 633 063 or Aboriginal Contact Line 1800 019 123 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).
The Victims Support Scheme provides counselling to people who often have complex trauma symptoms, including:
- victims of violent crime and modern slavery
- family members of someone who has died as a result of a homicide or a road crime.
Approved counsellors play a vital role in helping victims recover from the impacts of violent crime and modern slavery.
Sessions can be delivered in-person, by phone, or online.
Learn more about the NSW Victims Support Scheme
What you need to apply
To be considered for the role, you must:
- have tertiary qualifications in psychiatry, psychology, social work or other discipline relevant to the provision of counselling services
- be either a member or be registered with one of the following:
- a member of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
- a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers
- registered as a psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Authority
- registered as a level 3 or 4 member of the Australian Counselling Association
- registered as a clinical member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
- registered as a professional member of the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association
- show a minimum of 3 years' experience as a fully registered provider of clinical services in your profession
- carry indemnity insurance
- have a current Working with Children Check clearance
- have a National Police Check completed in the last 12 months.
How to apply
To apply, you must complete the online application form and provide the following:
- a curriculum vitae/resume
- 2 signed written professional references
- evidence of a current Working with Children Check
- a certified copy of a National Police Check completed within the past 12 months
- a copy of your driver’s licence or passport
- a copy of your AASW membership certificate, if applying as a social worker.
Note: Victims Services will confirm Working With Children Checks and professional memberships.
Applications are strongly encouraged from professionals who are:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- located in regional, rural and remote communities.
You must submit your application using the online application form. We will not consider applications submitted outside of this process.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Approved counsellors are subject to operating guidelines. You can access these guidelines during the application process.
Note: Online application forms are compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer 11 or greater.
Contact Victims Services for more information
For more information:
- call: 1800 633 063 (option 2)
- email:vs@dcj.nsw.gov.au