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Guidance Counsellor - Cairns Catholic Education Office

  • 495421
  • Cairns
  • Catholic Education Services - Diocese of Cairns
  • Cairns Catholic Education Office
  • Full time - Permanent
  • Part time - Permanent
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School Counsellor

Commencement Date: from 20 April 2026 (or by negotiation)

Employment Type: full‑time and part‑time opportunities available

Salary Range: $123,709 - $131,629 FTE Gross per annum (Pro Rata for part-time roles)

Closing Date for Applications: 11 pm Sunday 5 April 2026

Catholic Education, Cairns

Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns is seeking dedicated and professional School Counsellors to join our dynamic team. We invite applications from motivated individuals interested in either full‑time or part‑time positions across our schools.

Our schools are nestled amongst ancient rainforests, pristine waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. And you can forget spending hours in the car or on a packed train. The hustle and bustle of the capital cities does not compare to our laidback commute.

About the Role

Our School Counsellors play a vital role in promoting the wellbeing of all students by fostering their development, mental health, and resilience. This includes supporting students who may be at risk or who have diverse learning needs. Counsellors apply their professional guidance and counselling skills through both direct and indirect service delivery, working at individual, group, and systemic levels to enhance equitable access, participation, and outcomes for every student.  As certified professionals, CEDC School Counsellors collaborate closely with school leadership, teachers, families, and multidisciplinary teams. They contribute specialised knowledge and expertise in a collegial and supportive environment, guided by evidence‑based practice and the mission of Catholic Education.

School Counsellor positions are currently available across several of our schools, including locations geographically dispersed throughout Far North Queensland.  Applicants are encouraged to clearly indicate in their cover letter their preferences regarding;

  • Preferred work location (e.g - Cairns area only, and/or willingness to work in more remote locations such as Mossman)
  • Preferred work hours (eg - part-time or full-time) 

Work Requirements

  • With Teacher Qualifications - Be registered or eligible to be registered with Queensland College of Teachers
  • Without Teacher Qualifications - Hold a Working with Children Blue Card
  • Be fully supportive of the ethos of Catholic Education
  • Formal qualifications at Degree level are required in the disciplines of Education Psychology or Social Work and relevant post graduate experience
  • School Counsellors (Teacher) require registration with Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) and full membership of the Queensland Guidance Counsellor Association (QGCA) or general registration with Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA) or full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers
    (AASW)
  • School Counsellors (Non Teacher, Psychologists or Social Workers) require general registration with Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA) or membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

What we offer

  • Competitive Salary range: per annum pending experience 
  • Annual Leave with 17.5% leave loading
  • Access to salary packaging options to maximise your salary 
  • 12.75% Employer Superannuation Contributions
  • Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable)
  • 14 Weeks’ paid parental leave
  • Professional development and Early Career Teacher Support
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program

Applications must include a resume and cover letter (not more than 3 pages). Applicants are requested to respond to the Essential Duties and Responsibilities as outlined in the position description, please outline your experience and include examples. Please clearly state which professional authority you are registered with and membership number (i.e. QCT, AHPRA, AASW and QGCA).

Catholic Education Services encourages applicants to apply ASAP, interviews may be offered before the closing date.
For further information about the role, please download the Position Description Download File School Counsellor PD

For enquiries: Please call (07) 4050 9722

Intending applicants must be fully committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.

Catholic Education is an equal opportunity employer.