Counsellor (9-month fixed-term contract)

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 escalate
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

Work arrangement
Yes