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Guidance Counsellor - St Monica's College, Cairns
Guidance Counsellor
Commencement Date: 20 January 2025 (to be negotiated with the successful applicant)
Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary Range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Closing Date for Applications: 6:00pm, Friday 20 December 2024
St Monica's College, Cairns
The College is situated in the central business district of Cairns, one block from the Cairns Esplanade. St Monica's is the oldest school in the region, with rich heritage and Mercy traditions. As a Catholic Secondary Day and Boarding College for young women, St Monica's is a faith community where belief in the dignity of the human person underlies our educational philosophy, structures and processes. During the last few years, the College has undertaken a significant building project to compliment its two heritage buildings. Reinforcing our strong Mercy tradition all of the buildings are named after Sisters of Mercy. We are the only all female school in the Cairns region with an enrolment of over 700 students. Year levels 7 to 12 are offered, with both day and boarding options.
The College is committed to the pursuit of academic excellence and the development of the complete individual. As a nurturing Mercy community, we are also committed to an inclusive education which values uniqueness and caters to differing needs. The College offers a variety of learning experiences which ensure students’ continued intellectual, creative and spiritual development. St Monica’s College consistently achieve outstanding ATAR results and university entrance and completion rates.
About the Role
An employee in this position is required to focus on student wellbeing and work collaboratively with school communities to promote and foster the development and mental health of all students, through the provision of a comprehensive counselling service.
The School Counsellor acknowledges and attempts to be responsive to the diverse needs of the contemporary Catholic
school, which is an increasingly complex community of teachers, parents and learners. This response occurs in
partnership with parents and other members of the school community.
The School Counsellor is sensitive to the developmental needs of the students and the staff in their support of students.
The role holder requires a global knowledge of the issues presenting in the school as well as an awareness of the unique
character of each school and the range and depth of resources available in any one school.
The School Counsellor role has a focus on fostering the development, mental health and resilience of all students,
including those considered at-risk and those with special needs. This focus is achieved by applying guidance and
counselling skills through direct and indirect processes and through systemic and individual interventions - thus
contributing to equitable educational access, participation, and outcomes for all students. The School Counsellor is a
certified professional who works in partnership with the school by contributing specialized knowledge and skills in a
collaborative, collegial manner.
The School Counsellor informs and renews their practice by continuing professional development and research on best
practice. Professional registrations are maintained and industry standards and regulations pertaining to their
registrations are followed.
Work Requirements
- Formal qualifications at Degree level are required in the disciplines of Education, Psychology or Social Work and
relevant post graduate qualifications and experience as required by the employer - School Counsellors with Teaching, Psychology or Social Work registrations are required to provide evidence of
current registration with one or more of the following:- 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). QLD Blue Card (Working with Children Suitability Card) is also required
- School Counsellors (Teacher) require registration with Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) and full
- A strong demonstrated commitment to the objectives, vision, and ethos of Catholic Education
What we offer
- Annual Leave with 17.5% leave loading
- Access to salary packaging options to maximise your salary
- Access to additional 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
For further information about the role, please download the 
PosD - Guidance Counsellor 2025.pdf
Intending applicants must be fully committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.
Catholic Education is an equal opportunity employer.
To Apply
Select 'Apply Now' to submit your application. For current employees, apply via the 'Employee Login' tab on the homepage of the Careers website.
Enquiries:
College Principal
Leanne Webster
P: 07 4042 4800
E: principal@stmonicas.qld.edu.au
