Become an approved counsellor

Victims Services invites applications from qualified and experienced professionals interested in becoming an approved counsellor under the Victims Support Scheme.  

The Scheme provides counselling to victims of violent crime and modern slavery who often have complex trauma symptoms. 

Approved counsellors play a vital role in helping victims recover from the impacts of crime and modern slavery. 

Sessions can be delivered in-person, by phone, or online.

Application requirements

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
• demonstrate 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 current National Police Check. 

How to apply

To apply, you must complete the online application form and provide the following:

• a curriculum vitae/resume
• two signed written references
• evidence of a current Working with Children Check
• a certified copy of a National Police Check (within the past 12 months)
• a copy of your driver’s licence or passport.

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. 

Applications must be submitted using the online application form. Applications submitted outside of this process will not be considered.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Online application forms are compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer 11 or greater. 

Approved counsellors are subject to operating guidelines that can be accessed as part of the application process.

Contact us

For more information, contact us:

• Call: 1800 633 063 (option 2)
• Email: VS_Counselling@dcj.nsw.gov.au