Our Purpose, Vision and Values

Our Purpose:

• We create opportunities for people in our communities to live healthier, more connected lives

Our Vision:

• We strive to be a global leader in health, inclusion and HIV responses for all people in our communities

Our Values:

• COMMUNITY – We are made for and by our community. Lived experience is at the heart of what do and guides our decision-making.
• COLLABORATION – We work meaningfully with, and value the expertise of, our communities, colleagues, partners and allies.
• COMPASSION – We acknowledge the stigma, discrimination and inequality our communities face. We hold these experiences with care and compassion as we conduct our work.
• COURAGE – We strive to be courageous in who we are and the ways we work, constantly evolving, and working with integrity to ensure the best possible outcomes for our communities.
• EQUITY – We recognise that improving health outcomes requires varying levels of investment to help rectify structural inequities. We strive to work with an intersectional lens to champion the needs of our communities, recognising the systems that compound diverse and overlapping circumstances.

Care Coordinator/Counsellor – Sexual, Domestic & Family Violence Services (Hunter/Sydney)

Do you believe in building safer, healthier futures for LGBTQ+ communities impacted by sexual, domestic and family violence? At ACON, you’ll be part of a bold, community-driven organisation at the forefront of health and wellbeing for LGBTQ+ people.

• We’re looking for a passionate and skilled practitioner to join our Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence (SDFV) Care Coordination/Counselling team and provide critical support to LGBTQ+ people experiencing, escaping and recovering from violence and abuse.
• This isn’t just another care coordination and counselling role, it’s a chance to help shape how sexual, domestic and family violence services truly meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people.
• Part-time (42 hours per fortnight) role based in our Awabakal/Hunter office.

What’s the Sexual, Domestic & Family Violence (SDFV) Service?

The SDFV team focuses on trauma-informed, culturally safe, client-led, short-term interventions for LGBTQ+ people experiencing, escaping or recovering from sexual, domestic and/or family violence.

We support LGBTQ+ people through counselling, case coordination, safety planning, advocacy, and referrals. We work to reduce barriers, challenge stigma, and strengthen pathways so that LGBTQ+ people experiencing violence can access the right support, at the right time.

Ok, so what’s the role?

As the Care Coordinator/Counsellor – SDFV Services, you will:

• Provide trauma-informed counselling and care coordination to LGBTQ+ people experiencing and recovering from violence.
• Support clients through safety planning, case management, and system navigation.
• Build collaborative relationships with external services and advocate for inclusive responses for LGBTQ+ communities.
• Contribute to service development and sector capacity building by feeding back community needs, trends, and best practice approaches.

Who are we looking for?

• Someone experienced and qualified in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, or a related field, and current registration with an appropriate professional body (e.g. AASW, AHPRA) where required.
• A person knowledgeable about sexual, domestic, and family violence, with an understanding of the drivers, impacts, and complexities of SDFV, and particularly how they affect LGBTQ+ people and communities.
• A compassionate, trauma-informed and strengths-based person, who is committed to working alongside people with lived experience of violence.
• Someone with strong care coordination and counselling skills, and the ability to balance empathy with professional boundaries.
• An individual who values inclusion and understands the unique barriers faced by LGBTQ+ communities, First Nations peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and people living with disability.
• An active collaborator who can also take initiative and work independently.

What else can we tell you?

ACON provides a colourful, nurturing, and fun workplace. Our employees and volunteers are the foundation for our ongoing effectiveness and for our capacity to deliver innovative community engagement and health promotion programs and initiatives for our communities.

To support the successful candidate in their new role at ACON we offer:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Generous learning and development opportunities.
• Potential for tailored mentoring opportunities.
• Supportive working environment with a knowledgeable and friendly team.

We provide a flexible and supportive working environment. You’ll be part of the Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence team in the Peer and Client Services Division, a highly varied team providing multi-disciplinary care, including counselling, peer support, and home-based care.

What’s the remuneration and working details?

Salary:           $93,053.00 to $95,055.00 per-annum FTE (Gross Salary, PLUS Superannuation and Leave Loading) [$51.128 – $52.228/hr + Super + LL].

Location:      Awabakal/Hunter or Gadigal land/Sydney office, with flexible working options a possibility (away from the office).

Hours:          Part-time (42 hours per fortnight).

We offer flexible working arrangements and a generous array of benefits and entitlements often above the National Employment Standards (NES) including:

• Salary Packaging up to $35,000 gross up value (i.e., currently up to $15,900 Expenses + $2,650 Meals, tax free).
• Generous pro-rata leave entitlements – including up to an extra week of paid leave for full time employees to be taken during our Christmas and New Year’s shutdown period.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to a comprehensive counselling service free to employees.

How can I find out more details and apply?

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply to join our team and help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. By joining us, you will be part of a mission to create a healthier and more inclusive community.

We’d love someone who has experience already in this area but people at all levels of experience are absolutely welcome to apply. We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from CALD backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people of all genders to apply.

For more information on the role, please contact Maddy Liiv, Team Leader, Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Services via email at mliiv@acon.org.au.

Your ONLINE APPLICATION must include:

1. Your completed ACON Employment Application Form with all the details filled in where requested; attaching your:
   1. Cover Letter (max. 3 pages) outlining how the position aligns with your Personal Values and Interests, and how your Skills and Experience meet the Essential Selection Criteria in the Position Description; and
   2. Resume (max. 2 pages) outlining any current and previous employment and training. Be sure to include your Education History and any Formal Qualifications, Major/Minor Study Fields, Honours and Publications, and Work Experience (including Paid Jobs, Internships, and Volunteer work).

DOWNLOAD: POSITION DESCRIPTION

Applications Close: Sunday, 23 November 2025

We are grounded in the belief that diversity is our strength, our differentiator, and at the core of who we are and what we do. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we encourage applications from people living with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and LGBTQ people from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and LGBTQ people of colour.

Multicultural Peer Navigation Officer

Do you understand the challenges of settling into a new country? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of others and help end HIV transmissions? We’d love to hear from you!

• Draw on your interpersonal skills and lived experience of migrating to Australia to build trust and support others in feeling confident to navigate health services, especially sexual health services, around Australia.
• We pay above award rates in a flexible and inclusive work environment, offering fully remote work options for both full-time and part-time positions.

What’s the Peer Navigation Project, you say?

You’ll be working within ACON’s Population Health Division, supporting our new peer navigation project. This project is designed to help recently arrived gay and bi+ men settle into life in Australia, build local community connections, and access sexual health services with confidence and ease.

Ok, so what’s the role?

The Multicultural Peer Navigation Officer will draw on lived or community experience to build trust, provide information, and guide individuals through Australia’s HIV and sexual health system. The role focuses on culturally inclusive support by addressing barriers to access and connecting people with relevant services such as HIV testing, PrEP, treatment, and peer support. You will:

• Provide one-on-one conversations, in both English and another language, to newly arrived and overseas-born         gay, bisexual and men who have sex with other men (GBMSM) in a culturally inclusive and non-judgemental way.
• Work with community members to build confidence in engaging with healthcare providers and promote system
• Collaborate with other team members to plan and implement outreach activities, particularly in settings where         priority language communities gather.

Who are we looking for?

• Someone with lived experience of immigrating to Australia, a strong personal or cultural connection to overseas-born gay and bisexual men, and an understanding of the health and social issues they may face.
• Someone with strong interpersonal skills in both English and a community language (preferably Thai, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), Vietnamese, Spanish or Portuguese), and confidence to engage with the community in multiple languages.
• Someone willing to learn about HIV/STI treatment and prevention, and to support others in accessing care.

What else can we tell you?

ACON provides a colourful, nurturing, and fun workplace. Our employees and volunteers are the foundation for our ongoing effectiveness and for our capacity to deliver innovative community engagement and health promotion programs and initiatives for our communities.

To support the successful candidate in their new role at ACON we offer:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Generous learning and development opportunities.
• Potential for tailored mentoring opportunities.
• Supportive working environment with a knowledgeable and friendly team.

We provide a flexible and supportive working environment. You’ll be part of the HIV and Sexual Health Division. A highly focused team responsible for delivering information and support services on relevant health issues to GBMSM, people living with HIV, and other ACON communities.

What’s the remuneration and working details?

Salary:           $72,547.00 to $75,625.00, pro-rata for part-time roles (Gross Annual Salary, PLUS Superannuation and Leave Loading) [$39.86 to $41.55 / hr + Super + LL].

Location:      ACON’s Gadigal lands (Sydney) Office, with flexible and remote working options a possibility (away from the office).

Hours:          Part-Time and Full-Time (up to 70 hours per fortnight) on a 1-year fixed term contract with the possibility of extension.

We offer flexible working arrangements and a generous array of benefits and entitlements often above the National Employment Standards (NES) including:

• Salary Packaging up to $35,000 gross up value (i.e., currently up to $15,900 Expenses + $2,650 Meals, tax free).
• Generous pro-rata leave entitlements – including up to an extra week of paid leave for full time employees to be taken during our Christmas and New Year’s shutdown period.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to a comprehensive counselling service free to employees.

How can I find out more details and apply?

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply to join our team and help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. By joining us, you will be part of a mission to create a healthier and more inclusive community.

We’d love someone who has experience already in this area but people at all levels of experience are welcome to apply. We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from CALD backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people of all genders to apply.

For more information on the role, please contact Joubert van der Merwe, Manager, Gay and Bi+ Men’s Sexual Health Programs, via email at JvanderMerwe@acon.org.au.

If this sounds like the position and organisation you’ve been looking for, find out how to apply at www.acon.org.au/jobs.

Your ONLINE APPLICATION must include:

1. Your completed ACON Employment Application Form – with all the details filled in where requested;
2. Your Cover Letter answering the following questions (max. 300-400 words per response):
   1. Please describe your lived experience of migrating to Australia as a gay or bisexual man, or your understanding of the migration experience for others in this community. In your response, you may wish to include how you established your life in Australia, as well as any successes or challenges you experienced along the way.
   2. Please describe your knowledge of the Australian healthcare system, particularly in relation to HIV and STIs. You may include your understanding of testing, treatment, prevention, and how people can access these services.

• Please describe your interpersonal skills. In your response, tell us how you communicate with others, how you build friendships or social networks, and how you support or influence people in your community; and

3. Your Resume (max. 3 pages) outlining any current and previous employment and training. Be sure to include your Education History and any Formal Qualifications, Major / Minor Study Fields, Honours and Publications, and Work Experience (including Paid Jobs, Internships, and Volunteer work).

DOWNLOAD: POSITION DESCRIPTION

Applications Close: Sunday, 30 November 2025

We are grounded in the belief that diversity is our strength, our differentiator, and at the core of who we are and what we do. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we encourage applications from people living with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and LGBTQ people from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and LGBTQ people of colour.

Peer Worker (Suicide Prevention)

Do you want to leap into a career that empowers you to use your lived and living experiences to support and promote the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community? If this sparks your interest- keep reading!

• We are excited for someone to join our peer work team and play a vital role in the delivery of our Statewide Suicide Prevention and Aftercare Service that supports LGBTQ+ community following a suicidal crisis, an attempt or those experiencing suicide risk.
• This metro-based peer work role has become a possibility through an expansion of our funding from NSW Ministry of Health in line with their Towards Zero Suicides Initiative.

What’s ACON’s Peer and Client Services you say?

The Peer and Client Services teams provide services to people living with (PLHIV), affected by or at risk of HIV, and to sexuality and gender diverse people in NSW that are aged 18 or over, who are wanting support with their use of substances, suicidality and mental health or who are or have experienced SDFV including:

• Up to 12 free 1-hour counselling sessions over a period of up to 6-months, with no mental health plans required; provided with a short-term solution focused framework where clients are encouraged to identify 1-3 goals.
• Care coordination of up to 6 months, depending on needs, to help people; access relevant healthcare and support services, increase their ability to manage their care and reduce social isolation.
• Peer Work for 3-6 months, depending on needs and/or risk, to create meaningful connections that promote wellbeing and recovery through shared understanding and learning.

Peer and Client Services support LGBTQ+ community members and/or PLHIV across the state of NSW either face to face from our three offices (Sydney, Lismore and Newcastle) or via virtual care.

Ok, so what’s the role?

The Peer Worker (Suicide Prevention) Sydney is essentially utilising your lived experience of suicide and mental health challenges to support LGBTQ+ community members experiencing suicidal distress or following a recent attempt. This role is a part of a multidisciplinary team consisting of lived experience and non-lived experience roles responding to the needs of LGBTQ+ community members, however peer support may be delivered as a standalone support service depending on the support preferences of individual community members.

You will:

• Provide strengths based, recovery orientated and trauma informed peer support, advocacy and mentoring to LGBTQ+ community members
• Support and empower clients to strength their self-management skills
• Work collaboratively with ACON staff, in particular Peer and Client Services staff to ensure adequate support is provided to clients in a timely manner
• Regularly attend and actively participate in required team meetings to ensure consistent quality service delivery
• Support the promotion of the service

Who are we looking for?

• Someone with significant lived experience of suicide, mental health distress and recovery who is eager to use this experience to support LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV
• Someone who is compassionate and passionate about human rights and social justice
• Someone who understands the broad range of social factors that impact experiences of suicidality for LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV
• Someone with solid written and verbal communication skills including empathy, conflict resolution, productive feedback, active listening and case notes
• Someone with a strong commitment and understanding of ACON’s communities, particularly people with HIV
• Someone with the ability to meaningfully connect with people from diverse backgrounds and possess the skills and commitment to provide a culturally open space
• Someone with a balance of initiative and collaboration, who can work independently and as a part of a cohesive and supportive team

What else can we tell you?

ACON provides a colourful, nurturing, and fun workplace. Our employees and volunteers are the foundation for our ongoing effectiveness and for our capacity to deliver innovative community engagement and health promotion programs and initiatives for our communities.

To support the successful candidate in their new role at ACON we offer:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Generous learning and development opportunities.
• Potential for tailored mentoring opportunities.
• Supportive working environment with a knowledgeable and friendly team.

What’s the remuneration and working details? 

Salary:           $83, 461 per-annum (Gross Salary, PLUS Superannuation and Leave Loading).

Location:      ACON’s Gadigal land/Sydney Office, with flexible working options a possibility (away from the office.

Hours:          Full-Time (70 hours per fortnight) on a 1-year fixed term contract with the possibility of extension

We offer flexible working arrangements and a generous array of benefits and entitlements often above the National Employment Standards (NES) including:

• Salary Packaging up to $35,000 gross up value (i.e., currently up to $15,900 Expenses + $2,650 Meals, tax free).
• Generous pro-rata leave entitlements – including up to an extra week of paid leave for full time employees to be taken during our Christmas and New Year’s shutdown period.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to a comprehensive counselling service free to employees.

How can I find out more details and apply?

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply to join our team and help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. By joining us, you will be part of a mission to create a healthier and more inclusive community.

We’d love someone who has experience already in this area but people at all levels of experience are absolutely welcome to apply. We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from CALD backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people of all genders to apply.

For more information on the role, please contact Chloe Hawthorne, Team Leader Peer Work, via email at chawthorne@acon.org.au or (02) 4962 7700.

Your ONLINE APPLICATION must include:

1. Your completed ACON Employment Application Form with all the details filled in where requested; attaching your:
   1. Cover Letter (max. 4 pages) outlining how the position aligns with your Personal Values and Interests, and how your Skills and Experience meet the Essential Selection Criteria in the Position Description; and
   2. Resume (max. 4 pages) outlining any current and previous employment and training. Be sure to include your Education History and any Formal Qualifications, Major / Minor Study Fields, Honours and Publications, and Work Experience (including Paid Jobs, Internships, and Volunteer work).

Applications Close: Wednesday 17 of December 2025

DOWNLOAD: Position Description

Please note: ACON will be closed over the holiday period. As a result, applicants will not receive an update on the outcome of their application until 12 January 2026. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

We are grounded in the belief that diversity is our strength, our differentiator, and at the core of who we are and what we do. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we encourage applications from people living with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and LGBTQ people from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and LGBTQ people of colour.

How To Apply

How To Apply

1. Download the PDF Position Description in the “How can I find out more details and apply?” section of the vacancy listing you wish to apply for – and ensure you meet the Selection Criteria for the role.
2. Create a Cover Letter (as a PDF or MS Word file) addressing how you meet the Selection Criteria outlined in the Position Description. Ensure that you outline how your skills and experience relate to the requirements of the role and how you’d use them to excel in this job, and how the role aligns with your Personal Values and Interests. You should use statements with examples that clearly demonstrate your competency against each of the Selection Criteria.
3. Update your Resume / CV (as a PDF or MS Word file) with the latest information, certifications, and employment history. Ensure that you outline your Current and Previous Employment and Training. Be sure to include your:
   • Name, Contact Details and preferred Pronouns
   • Education History and Major / Minor Study Fields
   • Qualifications achieved, Honours and Publications
   • Paid Work Experience, Internships, and Volunteer work
4. Click the link to the ACON Employment Application Form in the “How can I find out more details and apply?” section of the vacancy listing you wish to apply for, and ensure that you complete all details where requested; including attaching your:
   • Cover Letter
   • Resume

Application Checklist

Application Checklist

Before you submit your application, ensure you have:

• Completed the online ACON Employment Application Form specific to the role you’re applying for – ensuring that all questions have been answered.
• Attached your Cover Letter document within the online form (as a PDF or MS Word file) outlining how you meet each of the Selection Criteria – as outlined in the Position Description.
• Attached your Resume / CV document within the online form (as a PDF or MS Word file) with all your employment and training information, along with your qualifications and certifications.
• Click the “Submit form” button.

Downloads

Downloads

ACON Enterprise Agreement

ACON Impact Strategy 2025-2030

How Does Recruitment Work at ACON?

There are five main steps in the process:

1) Application

ACON receives your application pack. You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your documents.

2) Shortlisting

A selection panel of 2-4 qualified persons will review all the applications and offer interviews to those applicants whose applications best address the requirements of the position.

3) Interview

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be contacted by the Recruiting Manager and invited to an interview. Your interview will take the form of a question-and-answer session. At your interview, you will be met be a panel of current ACON staff members who will have read your application and are eager to learn more about you and how you can apply your skills and experiences to our work. While we understand interviews can be nerve-racking, we aim to make our interview processes as transparent and comfortable as possible. We encourage you to wear what you feel comfortable in and let us know if you require any workplace adjustments. The interview is also an opportunity for you to ask us questions.

4) Offer

The decision to make you an offer is based on your written application, your interview, and successful Referee Checks, Criminal Record Checks, Proof of Vaccination and Working with Children Checks (if applicable).

5) Acceptance and Commencement

Once a start date has been agreed, you will receive a commencement pack from the People and Culture team including your contract and other documents (E.g., ACON Code of Conduct, Tax Declaration, Bank Deposit Form, Superannuation Choice Form, etc.). Once these are returned to the People and Culture team, you are ready to start work on your agreed date.

How long does it take to hear back on my application?

If you submitted your application at acon.org.au you will receive immediate acknowledgement and information regarding the date by which all successful applicants will be notified if they have progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

If you are successful in gaining an interview, the Recruiting Manager will contact you to arrange a suitable date and time for interview. If you are not selected for an interview, you will not receive any further notifications regarding your application for this role. We appreciate the time you took to respond to our advertisement, and for your interest in ACON, and encourage you to apply for future roles that are advertised that fit your skills and experience.