Secondary College Counsellor

• 38 hrs per week, Term-time + 4 weeks
• Supportive culture
• Elite girls' school

THE POSITION

The College is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Counsellor to join our team on a permanent basis. The role will be employed for 38 hrs per week, term-time plus 4 weeks.

The Counsellor at Moreton Bay College (MBC) will deal with a broad range of counselling issues and in that regard, will demonstrate an ability to appreciate and support the needs of Year 7 to 12 students at the College. The Counsellor will provide a unique source of expertise and experience in child and adolescent psychology and therefore, will require, advanced individual and group counselling skills and competent interpersonal and personal abilities. This position also requires a background which includes skills and knowledge in the area of psycho-educational assessment and intervention and experience in developing and delivering wellbeing programs and presentations.

THE PASTORAL CONTEXT

Pastoral Care at MBC prioritises personal wellbeing and the development of quality relationships. Pastoral Care is integral to all aspects of daily life at MBC.

The safety of students is our highest priority, and we are deeply committed to maintaining a safeguarding culture where every student is protected and supported to thrive.

The College aims, through its Pastoral Care System, to provide opportunities for the development of positive relationships and wellbeing. It further aims to support all members of the community as they pursue the College values through word and deed and in turn, professional growth and personal excellence.

The Pastoral Care system involves all members of the community, and there is a specific staff structure to explicitly focus on the development of outstanding pastoral care in the College.

A restorative approach is used to build and maintain positive relationships and knowledge and experience in restorative practice would be an advantage in this position.

MBC takes an evidence-based approach to student wellbeing through our Hearts and Minds Wellbeing Framework. It is expected that the Counsellor develop an understanding of the framework and the role it plays in the holistic education of MBC students.

MBC has a Year 7 to 12 wellbeing curriculum called the Positive Minds Program, which seeks to be proactive in supporting the wellbeing of students. A carefully sequenced, developmentally appropriate wellbeing curriculum, the Positive Minds Program also addresses the social-emotional needs of students and aligns with other College programs with the shared aim of developing the MBC graduate attributes, attitudes and skills in our students. It is expected that the Counsellor develop an understanding of the content of the Positive Minds Program to enhance their work with secondary students.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Counsellor will:

• Plan, negotiate and provide a comprehensive guidance and counselling program that is specific to the social-emotional needs of secondary students and the socio-cultural context of the College community.
• Provide timely and authoritative assessment recommendations and advice to clients and stakeholders concerning complex educational and personal issues.
• Investigate and assess a wide range of learning and adjustment issues referred by administrators, teachers, parents, clients and other agencies.
• Be familiar with and adhere to detailed procedures for efficient and professional processes of referral, implementation of services, and reporting mechanisms that account for the sensitivity and complexity of presenting concerns, the judgement to balance the ethical issues of confidentiality of each client with the need to inform others, and the significance of legal implications associated with the provision of incorrect or inappropriate information, advice or action.
• Maintain a comprehensive and professional record keeping system that complies with policy and legal requirements of parental and legal access to official records.
• Contribute to the review and implementation of the College's Positive Minds Program.
• Maintain a close working relationship with the other Secondary Counsellor to ensure secondary students have access to appropriate social-emotional support.
• Work closely with members of the Pastoral Team including the Director of Mission and Heads of House.
• Attend relevant professional development sessions to maintain an awareness of emerging and contemporary issues.
• Assist the Secondary Leadership Team in research and development and any other areas commonly agreed upon.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Well developed organisational and administrative skills
• Strong, effective communication skills
• The capacity to work as a team member
• Excellent time management skills
• Student counselling experience

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Graduate or post graduate Psychology qualification
• Experience in counselling secondary age students is mandatory, and experience with primary age students would be an advantage

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Full registration as a psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Teacher registration is not a prerequisite for this role

APPLICATION

Suitable applicants should apply by submitting ONE PDF document that clearly provides detail about each of the following:

• a statement of reasons why you are applying for this position;
• a current CV that clearly details experience, particularly in relation to the above skills and abilities;
• any additional information you may wish to submit; and
• the names and contact details of three professional referees.

Please note :

All applicants must declare

• any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions that would prevent you from performing this job;
• any convictions of any criminal offences; and
• that all information supplied is accurate and complete.

Applications close 9 am Monday, 1 December 2025

Please note: only those applicants shortlisted will be contacted after the closing date.