Position Vacant: Counsellor / Equine-Assisted Therapist – The Abbwell Group (Bundaberg)
📍 Bundaberg Region | Negotiable Terms | NDIS & Private Clients
Position Title
Counsellor / Equine Assisted Therapist
Employment Type
Full-time, Part-time, Casual or Contractor
Location
South Kolan, Bundaberg region, telehealth or community-based
Registration Requirement
You must hold a current registration with the Australian Counselling Association.
About The Abbwell Group
The Abbwell Group is a registered NDIS provider offering counselling incorporating equine-assisted therapy in a calm 70-acre rural environment at South Kolan. The setting supports emotional regulation, confidence building and practical skill development. You will work with children, young people and adults across a wide range of needs, including mental health, emotional regulation, trauma, disability and behavioural challenges.
Purpose of the Role
You will provide counselling and equine-assisted therapy that supports people to manage emotions, reduce anxiety, build coping skills and improve daily functioning. You will deliver structured, outcomes-based sessions that align with each participant’s NDIS goals. You will work with horses in a safe, consistent and trauma-informed way to support emotional awareness, communication and self-regulation.
Key Responsibilities
You will
- Provide one-on-one counselling for NDIS and private clients
- Deliver equine-assisted therapy sessions using evidence-informed models
- Support clients to build confidence, self-awareness and emotional regulation through horse-based activities
- Maintain safe, ethical and trauma-informed practice at all times around horses
- Conduct risk assessments, safety planning and incident reporting when required
- Keep accurate case notes, progress summaries and NDIS aligned documentation
- Work to measurable outcomes that support functional improvements
- Communicate with support coordinators, plan managers, GPs and allied health professionals
- Support clients to improve communication, social interaction and daily living skills
- Provide sessions at Willow Park, in the community or through telehealth when suitable
- Participate in supervision, equine training and ongoing professional development
- Follow all Abbwell Group policies, NDIS Code of Conduct and ACA ethical standards
Skills and Experience
You have
- Current ACA registration
- A minimum Diploma or Bachelor level qualification in counselling
- Experience delivering equine assisted therapy or willingness to undertake training
- Ability to work safely and confidently around horses
- Experience supporting clients with mental health challenges or disability
- Strong communication and de-escalation skills
- Experience writing case notes and NDIS progress reports
- Ability to link session outcomes to NDIS goals and functional improvements
- Confidence managing risk and responding to crisis situations
- Good time management and ability to work independently
- Experience using client management and digital systems
Personal Attributes
You
- Show empathy, respect and strong professional boundaries
- Stay calm and grounded around clients and horses
- Bring a steady, practical and solutions-focused approach
- Engage well with people from diverse backgrounds
- Commit to reflective practice, supervision and learning
- Contribute positively to a small, collaborative team environment
Compliance Requirements
- Current ACA registration
- Working with Children Check or Blue Card
- National Police Check
- Current NDIS Worker Screening
- Current First Aid and CPR
- Valid Australian drivers licence
- Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
- Fitness and willingness to work outdoors and around horses
- Completion of Abbwell Group equine-assisted therapy and safety induction
Why Join Abbwell?
✔️ Work alongside experienced Counsellors in a collaborative and supportive environment
✔️ Flexible position terms to suit your lifestyle and availability
✔️ Contribute to meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families
✔️ Be part of a growing organisation with a strong community reputation
If you’re passionate about Counselling Incorporating Equine-Assisted Therapy and ready to make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Register your interest now and submit your details below
📞 Contact: 07 4179 0730 or email admin@abbwell.com.au
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