Position: School Counsellor
Location: Mackay Region
Commencement Date: 19 January 2026
Employment Status: Full-Time, continuing or two part time roles (as negotiable with successful applicant/s)
Hours per week: 38
Salary: $89,303 - $131,626 (pending experience and qualifications) + 12.75% superannuation
Applications Close: 31 October 2025

Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton provides a supportive, flexible working environment where care for the individual is an important part of our ethos. We employ motivated people who work together to produce excellent outcomes for our students. Our staff are recognised as being central to achieving our mission.

About the role

An exciting opportunity currently exists within the Mackay Region. We are seeking a full-time counsellor who will provide counselling services to students at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Mackay (0.6 FTE) and St Anne's Catholic Primary School, Sarina (0.4 FTE). This is a full-time continuing position, commencing January 2026, or for two part time roles as negotiated with the successful applicant/s.

In this role you will be supported by a network of counsellors in the Mackay Region and the Counselling Services Coordinator.

Typical duties

• Prepare for individual counselling sessions via assessment, case formulation and intervention planning.
• Plan, prepare and provide small group interventions for students relevant to need.
• Assist parents with appropriate referrals for their child where ongoing counselling or other forms of support are needed.
• Provide counselling support and follow up response to student protection risk management issues.
• In collaboration with other staff, provide direct input and support to the implementation of individual intervention plans (e.g., NCCD).
• Assist in providing information for staff to present sessions and/or programs to students.
• Assess immediate level of risk of students in crisis and provide appropriate crisis interventions, including referral to acute services where required.
• Liaise and work collaboratively with relevant external agencies to ensure appropriate support for students and their families.
• Provide professional support and advice to staff, parents, and students in relation to counselling, mental health, and wellbeing.
• Provide immediate support for staff in crisis and assist them to access the Employee Assistance Program (Working Well) or other appropriate referrals.
• In times of critical incidents, provide counselling services as required.

To learn more about the School Counsellor Salary Schedule, Role requirements and Position Description, please view our School Counsellor Overview and Position Description.

About You

The successful applicant will have relevant experience, qualifications, and an understanding of, and a commitment to, the ethos of Catholic Education. In addition, you will have excellent time management skills, and well developed interpersonal skills.

Mandatory Criteria

• Minimum required qualifications are a relevant 4-year undergraduate degree from the disciplines of Social Work, Psychology or B Education + Masters Guidance & Counselling.
• Australian work rights
• A current valid Blue Card under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (WWC Act) and valid Suitability Notice is a requirement of the position
• Undertake Student Protection Training
• Undertake Workplace Health and Safety Training
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role in a safe manner.

What we offer

• Competitive salary of $89,303 - $131,626 (pending experience and qualifications) + 12.75% superannuation
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata if part time)
• Modern facilities and resources
• Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable)
• Excellent leave entitlements to suit various situations
• Induction, professional development and learning opportunities
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Access to corporate health discounts with either Bupa or Westfund Health Insurance
• Access to Fitness Passport

How to Apply

• Complete the application form by clicking APPLY NOW below
• Upload a cover letter addressing addressing the skills, attributes and experience to support the typical duties of the role identified in the position description.
• Upload a current resume including contact details (phone and email) of (3) three professional referees
• Applicants must read, understand and accept, as an explicit term of contract, the requirements of the Statement of Principles for employment in Catholic Schools
• Submit your application and supporting documentation

Further information

• For a confidential conversation please contact Jacqueline King, Counselling Services Coordinator or Allahna Heywood, Counselling Support Officer on 07 4994 8000 .
• For further information regarding the remuneration package, please contact Employee Support Services [email protected]
• Applications during the shortlisting phase will be kept confidential.

Applications Close: Friday, 31 October 2025.

Catholic Education is committed to best practice in student protection policies and procedures and is an equal opportunity employer. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

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