Contract With BilaEmpower as an EAP Clinician

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BilaEmpower was created because many First Nations employees have not felt culturally safe accessing mainstream EAP services. At the same time, many highly skilled First Nations clinicians have found themselves excluded from national contract opportunities.

Our model intentionally changes that.

We work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychologists, social workers, counsellors and psychotherapists who are running their own practices across Australia. By coming together through BilaEmpower, clinicians can access national referral pathways while maintaining the independence of their own businesses.

When someone accesses support through BilaEmpower, they are speaking with a practitioner who understands culture, kinship, Country and the broader realities that shape wellbeing for our people.

Our clinician network is made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health professionals.

To work with BilaEmpower you must:

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Operate your own professional practice or allied health business
• Be committed to culturally grounded and ethically informed mental health practice

Confirmation of Aboriginality or Supply Nation registration (where applicable) will be requested during the onboarding process.

Clinicians who work with BilaEmpower do so as independent contractors, not employees.

This means you continue to operate your own practice while receiving referrals through the BilaEmpower EAP network.

Under this arrangement you:

• Maintain full independence of your professional practice
• Invoice BilaEmpower for services delivered
• Manage your own taxation, superannuation and business obligations
• Maintain your own supervision and professional development requirements

This model is designed intentionally to strengthen First Nations-owned allied health businesses rather than absorb them into a traditional employment structure.

To ensure safe, high-quality service delivery, clinicians must hold current professional registration and appropriate qualifications.

You must be registered and in good standing with one of the following:

• Australian Psychological Society or be an AHPRA registered psychologist
• Australian Association of Social Workers
• Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
• Australian Counselling Association

You must also hold a recognised mental health qualification aligned with your professional registration.

All clinicians must maintain appropriate insurance and documentation.

This includes:

• Professional Indemnity Insurance with a minimum cover of $20 million
• Public Liability Insurance with a minimum cover of $20 million
• National Police Clearance issued within the past 12 months
• A valid Australian Business Number
• The ability to issue invoices, including electronic invoicing

BilaEmpower operates as a virtual-first national EAP provider. This allows clinicians across Australia to support employees regardless of location.

To deliver services safely and professionally, clinicians must have:

• A secure laptop or desktop computer
• Reliable phone access
• Stable high-speed internet
• Access to Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• A confidential counselling space
• The ability to access Halaxy for secure client records and case notes

Our intake and CRM systems support consistent service delivery nationally, while clinicians maintain responsibility for their own professional setup and privacy obligations.

BilaEmpower is not a high-volume, transactional EAP provider.

We are building something different — a culturally grounded service that values relational practice, trust and meaningful outcomes.

As part of our clinician network you can expect:

• A respectful and relational onboarding process
• Clear cultural and clinical expectations
• Transparent payment arrangements
• Access to national referral pathways
• Alignment with a First Nations-led governance model
• Participation in a growing national network of Indigenous clinicians

We grow carefully and intentionally, ensuring that systems, governance and clinician support remain strong as the organisation expands.

This protects the integrity of our work and the wellbeing of the clinicians who walk alongside us.

Contracting with BilaEmpower may be a strong fit if you:

• Are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander allied health professional
• Operate your own counselling, psychology, social work or psychotherapy practice
• Want access to national EAP referrals while maintaining independence
• Value culturally grounded practice and community connection
• Are committed to high-quality, ethical and accountable care