School Counsellor
Merici College, Braddon

Location: Merici College, Braddon ACT 
Employment Type: Part-time – 60.8 hours per fortnight
Employment Status: Permanent
Salary Range: $100,896.30 to $ 110,982.60 + Superannuation (based on skills and experience, pro rata for part time appointment)
Start Date: October 2023
Closing Date: 11.55pm, Monday 9 October 2023

Who Are We?

Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn plays an integral role in education both in the ACT and NSW operating 56 Schools and 8 Early Learning Centres.

Merici College is an all girls’ 7-12 Catholic college committed to excellence in the education of girls, striving to assist all students to develop their potential academically, spiritually, culturally, physically and socially through innovative programs. Merici College is an IB World School, authorised to offer the Diploma Program (Years 11-12) and in the process of candidacy for the Middle Years Program (Year 7-10).

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a School Counsellor to join our team working within Merici College, Braddon. In this role you’ll be supported by a collegial network of School Counsellors across our ACT secondary colleges within Catholic Education. This role will work closely within the school and the wider school community of Merici College to provide support to students and staff, while also working collaboratively with the Student Counselling and Welfare Manager. The successful applicant will be personable and proactive with a strong team-work mentality.

The School Counsellor provides a service that is intrinsically a part of the core business of the School on this continuum of Pastoral Care. In this context the School Counsellor contributes to the mission of CECG by the provision of a professional counselling service to school communities in order to promote and foster the wellbeing and mental health, successful school engagement and development of all students, and to work collaboratively with other staff and parents in achieving this.

The Counsellor has a focus on fostering the development and mental health of all students, including those considered at-risk and those with special needs. This focus is achieved by applying counselling skills and engaging in individual interventions. This leads to more equitable educational access, participation and outcomes for all students. The counsellor is a certified professional who works in partnership with the school by contributing specialised knowledge and skills in a collaborative, collegial manner.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Averaged 40 weeks per year; working aligned to school terms and hours
• Attractive remuneration package with access to salary packaging
• Opportunities to undertake training and upskilling
• Positive, social work culture
• Role comes with provision for professional development and external clinical supervision

Essential Criteria

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work (including eligibility for membership of Australian Association of Social Workers) or Psychologist                                                                                                                     (eligibility for Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency membership) or Degree qualified counsellors with registrations with the Australian Counselling Association or The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.
• Experience in providing evidence based therapeutic interventions/counselling to adolescents.
• The ability to respond effectively and promptly to crises situations impacting students, and provide support and guidance to staff.
• An understanding and knowledge of issues affecting young people and current approaches to assist wellbeing, supporting recovery and building relationships and resilience.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the capabilities to liaise effectively with stakeholders, school executive staff, wellbeing teams and pastoral care, in order to work collaboratively to address students emotional, educational, wellbeing and behavioural needs.
• The ability to make appropriate referrals to external agencies for young people as required.
• A commitment to maintaining confidential files, session notes, completing mandatory reports and ensuring high levels of discretion and confidentiality.
• The ability and willingness to support the school’s Catholic ethos.

Please refer to the position description for an in-depth detail regarding criteria and skill set required.

Application Process

Please apply via the link. Applicants will be required to submit a covering letter outlining briefly the selection criteria in the position description and a current resume.

For further information about the role and Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn please visit the website and position description. 

If you have any questions about the role, contact Amy Tallon on 02 6218 0007 or via email at [email protected].