College Psychologist / Counsellor

Emmanuel College Gold Coast; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Emmanuel College Gold Coast is seeking a compassionate College Psychologist / Counsellor to support student wellbeing within a faith-based, values-driven community. This permanent role starts January 2027, with 42 weeks per year and a focus on proactive mental health programs.

The successful applicant will provide individual counselling, collaborate with families and staff, and contribute to preventative wellbeing initiatives across the College, while upholding child safety and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work or related discipline.
• Current professional registration or accreditation as applicable.
• Experience counselling children and adolescents in educational settings.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches to mental health.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counselling and mental health support to students.
• Develop proactive wellbeing programs and early intervention strategies.
• Collaborate with staff, families and external health professionals.
• Offer training and guidance to staff on student wellbeing.
• Maintain confidentiality and child safety standards.

Job description

Join a community where faith forms the foundation of everything that we do — nurturing hearts, inspiring minds and shaping people of good character.

Emmanuel College is seeking a compassionate, proactive and forward-thinking College Psychologist / Counsellor who is passionate about supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This is a permanent, full-time position commencing January 2027, working 42 weeks per year (term-time plus two additional weeks).

About Emmanuel College

Emmanuel College is a co-educational, multi-denominational school with just over 1,600 students, valued by the Gold Coast community for our strong commitment to achieving educational excellence within a framework of thoughtful, intelligent and vibrant Christian faith.

Located in the suburb of Carrara on the Gold Coast, Australia; Emmanuel College is situated on a beautiful nine-hectare campus, providing stunning state of the art facilities for our College curriculum, programs and community life.

Why Join Us?

Emmanuel College is a warm, welcoming community of talented, purpose-driven educators and support staff. We are committed to hiring new team members who demonstrate excellence in their chosen field, who are prepared to commit wholeheartedly to the values and ethos of our College and who confess to a personal Christian faith.

We believe in the transformative power of education, and the importance of fostering a caring, faith-based community. Many of our staff have been a part of the Emmanuel team for three decades, demonstrating a deep commitment to creating a sense of belonging and inspiring thoughtful engagement with the world.

What we Offer

• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Career development and continuous learning opportunities
• Be part of a caring faith-based community and make a meaningful impact
• A focus on well-being - Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programs available
• A commitment to excellence – academic, sporting, arts and culture
• World-class facilities and learning spaces
• Onsite cafe serving barista coffee and food.
• Staff access to gym and fitness facilities
• Live and work on the Gold Coast

About the Role

This position offers a rewarding opportunity to combine professional counselling expertise with a broader vision for student wellbeing, contributing to the development of a proactive and holistic approach to mental health within a collaborative and values-driven College community.

As a key member of our College Pastoral Care team, the College Psychologist / Counsellor will provide individualised counselling and mental health support to students, while also playing an important role in developing proactive and preventative wellbeing initiatives across the College.

Working collaboratively with College leadership, pastoral care staff, families and external professionals, the successful applicant will bring fresh ideas, professional expertise and a clear vision for strengthening student wellbeing and building the capacity of our College community to support young people.

Key responsibilities include:

Providing professional counselling and mental health support to students experiencing social, emotional, psychological or behavioural challenges.

Assessing and responding to complex student wellbeing concerns, including students experiencing distress or crisis, and coordinating appropriate interventions and referrals.

Developing and implementing proactive, evidence-based wellbeing programs that promote resilience, positive mental health, emotional regulation and social-emotional learning.

Identifying emerging student wellbeing needs and contributing to innovative, preventative and early intervention strategies.

Working collaboratively with students, families, College staff and external health professionals to achieve positive wellbeing outcomes.

Providing professional guidance, consultation and training to staff, strengthening their capacity to recognise and respond to student mental health and wellbeing needs.

Contributing to the ongoing development and evaluation of the College's student wellbeing strategies and pastoral care practices.

Maintaining appropriate professional standards, confidentiality and a strong commitment to child safety and student wellbeing.

About You

We are looking for an experienced, compassionate and approachable professional who demonstrates genuine care for young people, a collaborative approach to student wellbeing and a passion for making a positive difference.

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

Relevant tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work or a related discipline, together with current professional registration, accreditation or membership as applicable.

Demonstrated experience providing counselling, psychological or mental health support to children and adolescents, preferably within an educational setting.

Strong knowledge of contemporary, evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches to mental health and wellbeing.

Experience supporting young people with complex emotional, social and behavioural needs, including responding effectively to students in crisis.

The ability to develop and contribute to proactive wellbeing programs and initiatives that strengthen student resilience and promote positive mental health.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with students, families and colleagues.

Strong professional judgement, discretion and an understanding of child protection, confidentiality and duty of care obligations.

A proactive, solutions-focused mindset, with the initiative and vision to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing development of student wellbeing across the College.

A personal Christian faith, active involvement in a local Christian church, and a commitment to supporting the Christian ethos of Emmanuel College.

Applicants must also hold a current Queensland Working with Children Check (Blue Card) clearance, or be eligible to obtain one prior to commencement, as applicable.

Emmanuel College is committed to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children and young people. All employees are expected to uphold the College's commitment to child safety and share responsibility for maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.