College Counsellor

We are seeking a College Counsellor to join our growing team in 2024!

Be part of one of the fastest growing schools in the region! 

Iona College Geelong is a Catholic Co-educational College located in Charlemont (a 15-minute drive from the Geelong CBD) which is part of the rapidly developing Armstrong Creek growth precinct located between Geelong and the Surf Coast (a 15- minute drive from Torquay). 

Our team at Iona College thrives on teamwork and collaboration, values wellbeing for both staff and students, and believes that positive relationships are at the heart of our culture.  

About the role

The College Counsellor plays an important role in supporting the overall well-being and mental health of students. Some of the key responsibilities include student counselling, teaching advice related to wellbeing, wellbeing data, group interventions and NCCD social-emotional support. The College Counsellor is a vital member of the student services team who contributes to creating a supportive and inclusive environment within the College. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide counselling, therapy for individuals and groups for a range of mental health and social-emotional issues, and where appropriate, professional assessment to students with mental health concerns.
• Administer screening tools and other psychological assessments (where appropriately qualified) to assist with support of the student. 
• Plan evidence-based interventions in collaboration with other staff, relevant professionals and parents. 
• Work with the Deputy Principal (Wellbeing) and consult with external agencies to ensure appropriate support is provided to students. 
• Assist with planning and conducting activities such as Wellbeing Days and assist with professional development of support staff and teaching staff relating to mental health.   
• Communicate and provide support to parents/carers, as required.  
• Inform the College Leadership Team of situations that may have repercussions for the College within the wider community e.g. Child Protection. 
• Respond to and assist the College in their response to critical incidents and emergencies. 
• Collect, collate and maintain student information and records to meet legislative and system requirements. 
• Provide consultation to parents and teachers regarding individual students. 
• Work collaboratively with Year Level Wellbeing and Community Leaders, Head of Positive Behaviours and other staff to support students at risk. 

Experience in liaising with organisations such as Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) and external health organisations is highly desirable.

Finding the right fit for our team

Iona College is one of the newest schools in Victoria and we are experiencing significant growth. We are a supportive, compassionate, and fun team, so finding the right fit for our team is important to us. We are looking for an individual that demonstrates:

• Strong understanding of regulatory and legislative requirements
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively in a team situation and network with external agencies. 
• Ability to work with a wide range of people within the College and the wider community. 
• Detail-orientated and the ability to manage administration tasks in a timely manner. 
• Highly developed organisational skills. 
• Capacity to work independently. 
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to handle confidential matters with diplomacy, discretion, and tact.
• A positive mindset and is open to feedback and new ideas.
• A team player who works well with others.

We would like this person to hold an undergraduate qualification in psychology or counselling, social work, or adolescent mental health.  Previous experience in the education sector is desirable.

Only candidates with valid work rights within Australia will be considered.

How to apply

Interested applicants should visit the employment section on the Iona College website www.iona.vic.edu.au and download the College Counsellor Role Description, Application Guide, and complete the application form. These contain full details on the application process, including role description, FTE and salary-related conditions.  

Interested applicants should submit the following via email:   

• Iona College Geelong Non-Teaching Application Form 
• Your resume
• An introductory Letter addressing the following questions:  
  • Your reasons for wanting to become part of the Iona College Geelong team
  • The skills and attributes that you will contribute to the position sought and how these qualities will assist Iona College during its current growth phase 

All applications must be emailed to [email protected]  

Any further queries can be directed to Samantha Noonan, HR Manager, at [email protected]  

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of the amazing team at Iona. Applications close at 12pm 6th November 2023.  

This role is being managed by Iona College Geelong and we will not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Iona College Geelong is a child safe school committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and young people.