About the Opportunity

John Paul College is currently seeking an experienced and qualified School Counsellor to join our Secondary Student Wellbeing team until the end of Term 4, 2026 with a possible extension.

The Secondary School Counsellor provides personal counselling to students in a manner that is reflective of the College’s core values and College’s Christian Ecumenical ethos. The Counsellor will provide support to students to enable them to reach their full potential – academically, socially and emotionally.

The successful candidate will see themselves working in collaboration with the students, teachers, academic welfare, and counselling teams at JPC to encourage and promote student wellbeing at the College.

This role is a specialist part-time position working term-time only, with normal working hours of Mondays and Thursdays, 8am – 4.15pm.  

About the Role

Key areas of responsibility will include:

• Providing personal counselling to students, addressing their emotional and social needs.
• Promote student wellbeing, resilience and positive mental health outcomes across the College community.
• Communicating effectively with students and parents regarding their concerns and progress.
• Carrying out individual and group counselling. 
• Supporting colleagues in their efforts to enhance student well-being.
• Working collaboratively within the Student Wellbeing team, the counsellor provides professional, confidential support to students while contributing to a proactive, whole‑school approach to wellbeing.
• Working alongside the Dean of Students - Secondary, Heads of Year and teaching staff to identify and support students experiencing social, emotional or psychological challenges.
• The Counsellor contributes to early intervention, case management and referral processes to ensure students receive appropriate care and support.
• Presenting to individual year levels and cohorts on wellbeing, resilience, mental health literacy and life skills, aligned with the College’s pastoral and wellbeing frameworks.
• Supporting key student programs and events, such as camps, retreats and leadership experiences.
• Providing professional insight and advice to the College leadership and academic staff. 
• Maintaining confidentiality of both students and families within the parameters of duty of care and school context. 
• Balancing professional and administrative standards in accordance with the College policies.

About You

At John Paul College, we strive to create an educational environment that promotes learning and personal growth. We believe in nurturing each student's physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual development, helping them build essential life skills.

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

• A Masters of Counselling.
• 2 or more years’ experience in a school-based setting.
• The ability to create, support and encourage inclusive learning environments which foster positive relationships.
• Strong communication skills to engage effectively with staff, students, and parents.
• A commitment to upholding the vision and values of John Paul College.
• A current Counselling Registration.
• A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).

How to Apply

Applications are to be made by clicking Apply below. 

To assist us with determining your suitability for this role, please ensure your application includes the following information -

• Your cover letter is addressed to the attention of Lisa O’Neill – Recruitment Officer and should share with us your experience and what you will bring to the role
• Your current resume includes your qualifications and employment history.
• And the names and contact details for at least two professional referees. 

John Paul College is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The College reserves its right to interview and offer this role prior to the closing date of this advertisement. If you are interested in joining John Paul College, please do not hesitate in applying as soon as possible.

John Paul College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. We embed child safety into everything we do, including how we recruit and support our people. All successful candidates will be required to hold a current Blue Card prior to commencing employment.