Catholic Schools Counsellor

Centacare New England North West; Tamworth; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

EAP access

WOW Awards

Career development

Wellbeing program

Flexible culture

Job summary

Centacare New England North West is seeking a dedicated School Counsellor to support students across Armidale Diocese in a full-time role (38 hours p/w). You will provide individual and group counselling, early intervention and wellbeing initiatives to foster resilience and healthy coping in young people.

Working with school leadership, educators and families, you will promote positive mental health, connect students with services, and contribute to inclusive school environments while upholding

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work or related discipline with current professional registration.
• Experience delivering individual and group counselling to children and adolescents.
• Strong communication and collaboration with families, educators and multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to ethical practice and ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counselling to students addressing emotional, psychological and social needs.
• Design, deliver and evaluate mental health and wellbeing programs for prevention and resilience.
• Collaborate with school leaders, teachers and families to support positive learning environments.
• Coordinate referrals to specialist services and community resources as needed.
• Maintain ethical records and participate in supervision and professional development.
• Support school communities with mental health information and best practices.

Skills

Counselling

Group counselling

Early intervention

Wellbeing programs

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Counselling/related

Job description

Centacare New England North West – Tamworth NSW

Since 2001, Centacare NENW, a Social Services Agency of the Catholic Diocese of Armidale, has been supporting individuals, families and communities across the New England North West region.

Guided by our values of Dignity, Solidarity, Subsidiarity and the Common Good, we are committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive and compassionate services that empower individuals, strengthen communities and create lasting positive change.

About Centacare

Are you passionate about supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people?

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate School Counsellor to join our Catholic Schools Office (CSO) program, supporting students and school communities across the Armidale Diocese.

As part of our collaborative CSO team, you will work alongside school leadership, educators, families and external service providers to promote positive mental health, strengthen emotional resilience and create safe, inclusive learning environments.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people while being supported by a values-driven organisation that encourages professional growth, collaboration and continuous learning.

About the Role

We are seeking a compassionate and motivated School Counsellor to join our team in a full‑time position (38 hours per week), working under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (HPSS Award) Level 1 (AQF Level 5 – AQF Level 9), $40.19 – $46.18 per hour.

In this rewarding role, you will support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people within school communities by providing individual and group counselling, early intervention, and targeted wellbeing initiatives to help students navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop positive coping strategies.

Working collaboratively with school leadership, staff and families, you will contribute to positive and inclusive school environments, promote mental health awareness and connect students with appropriate support services.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people while supporting positive wellbeing and educational outcomes.

What You Get to Do

• Make a Difference – Deliver individual and group counselling to students, supporting their emotional, psychological and social needs, including those experiencing stress, trauma and challenging life circumstances.
• Promote Student Wellbeing – Design, deliver and evaluate mental health and wellbeing programs focused on prevention, resilience, emotional regulation and positive mental health.
• Build Strong Connections – Collaborate with school leadership, teachers, parents and other professionals to identify student needs and develop practical strategies that support positive learning environments.
• Support School Communities – Provide guidance, resources and mental health information to help educators and school communities promote student wellbeing and inclusive practices.
• Connect Students with Support – Coordinate referrals to specialist mental health services, community resources and external support networks to ensure students and families can access appropriate care.
• Maintain Professional Standards – Deliver ethical, confidential and evidence-informed counselling services, maintaining accurate records and working in accordance with relevant professional codes of ethics and practice.
• Grow Your Expertise – Participate in professional supervision, ongoing learning and individual development planning to strengthen your skills and contribute to continuous service improvement.

We are looking for a compassionate, motivated and adaptable professional who is passionate about supporting children and young people to achieve positive mental health and wellbeing outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline, with current registration or membership with AHPRA, AASW, ACA or PACFA.
• Demonstrated experience delivering individual and group counselling, particularly with children and adolescents, and an understanding of their developmental, emotional and psychological needs.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and consultation skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and collaborate effectively with students, families, educators and multidisciplinary teams.
• High levels of emotional intelligence, integrity and initiative, with the ability to manage sensitive information confidentially and work both independently and collaboratively.
• A commitment to ethical counselling practice, ongoing professional development and maintaining current knowledge of mental health and wellbeing approaches.

Your Employee Benefits

At Centacare NENW, we are committed to both our organisation's growth and the wellbeing and development of our people. Here's what you can look forward to:

• Increase Your Take-Home Pay – Access generous salary packaging benefits of up to $18,500 per year for everyday living and entertainment expenses.
• Be Part of Positive Change – Join a dynamic and evolving organisation committed to growth, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Flexible & Supportive Culture – Work in a collaborative, inclusive and values-driven environment where your contribution is valued.
• Career Development Opportunities – Expand your skills and advance your career through ongoing professional development, supervision and learning opportunities.
• Wellbeing Matters – Enjoy access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing free and confidential counselling and wellbeing support.
• Recognition & Celebration – Be recognised for your contributions through our WOW Awards program, celebrating outstanding achievements and positive impact.

The Next Step

Ready to make a difference? We'd love to hear from you

If you're passionate about supporting young people, strengthening school communities and making a lasting positive impact, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

Join a supportive team where your skills, experience and commitment to improving student wellbeing will be genuinely valued.

Applications close at 4pm on Thursday 12th November 2026

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

The Diocese of Armidale is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and to preventing those in our care from experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation or harm. Centacare is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and adopts a zero-tolerance approach to the abuse of children and vulnerable people.

All individuals working in the name of the Diocese are required to comply with the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct and actively contribute to a safe and respectful environment for children and vulnerable persons.

Employment screening requirements apply to this position and include a National Police Check, a valid NSW Working With Children Check and an NDIS Worker Screening Check where required. These clearances must be maintained throughout employment.

Apply today and join Centacare NENW in creating brighter futures for young people and stronger, healthier school communities.

For more information or role-related enquiries, please contact our People & Culture Team at **@centacarenenw.com.au.