Guidance Officer - Mackay North State School (Cluster)

Queensland Department of Education; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Department of Education in Mackay is seeking an experienced Guidance Officer to join Mackay North State School and Walkerston State School in a shared 1.0 FTE role for 2027.

The position is split 0.6 FTE at Mackay North and 0.4 FTE at Walkerston, delivering guidance, counselling and wellbeing support to students, families and staff. Applicants will collaborate with school communities and external agencies to promote inclusive practices and positive outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide student support and counselling by advocating for students and providing individualised counselling, guidance, psychoeducational assessment and recommendations relating to educational, behavioural, social, emotional, mental health, career and family matters.
• Assess student needs and develop targeted interventions through observation, assessment and collaboration with students, families and school staff to identify learning, developmental, behavioural and wellbeing needs and develop appropriate adjustments, support plans and interventions.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary support and case management by working collaboratively with school leadership, teachers, families, Student Wellbeing and Engagement Learning teams and external agencies to coordinate referrals, interventions and supports that promote student engagement, inclusion and access to education.
• Support student wellbeing, protection and engagement by contributing to student protection processes, behaviour support, risk management, critical incident responses and strategies that support students experiencing complex social, emotional, behavioural or family circumstances.
• Support transitions and pathways by contributing to effective transitions between year levels, schools and educational settings, as well as supporting students with pathway planning, career development, SET planning and re-engagement in education where required.
• Build staff capability and collaborative practice by providing professional advice, consultation and guidance to teachers and school staff regarding student needs, adjustments, engagement, behaviour and wellbeing, and contributing to relevant professional learning and whole-school initiatives.
• Work across two school communities by establishing positive and professional relationships with students, families, and staff at both Mackay North State School and Walkerston State School, adapting practice to meet the individual priorities, contexts and needs of each school.
• Maintain professional practice and confidentiality through accurate record keeping, appropriate information sharing, compliance with departmental policies and procedures, ongoing professional development and the maintenance of high standards of ethical and professional practice.

Job description

Guidance Officer - Mackay North State School (Cluster)

Queensland Department of Education – Mackay QLD

Mackay North State School and Walkerston State School are seeking an experienced, compassionate and student-focused Guidance Officer to join their school communities in a shared 1.0 FTE Guidance Officer position, commencing January 2027 through to December 2027.

The position will be based 0.6 FTE at Mackay North State School and 0.4 FTE at Walkerston State School.

The successful applicant will work collaboratively with students, families, teachers, school leaders and external agencies to provide high-quality guidance, counselling and support across educational, behavioural, social, emotional and wellbeing needs.

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you1

About the Department of Education:

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us.

About us:

Mackay North State School is a welcoming Queensland state primary school catering for students from Prep to Year 6, including a Special Education Program.

The school is committed to providing quality education, with a strong focus on academic achievement, student growth and wellbeing.

Through a broad range of learning opportunities, including sport, music and community activities, Mackay North encourages students to develop their skills, confidence and potential in a supportive environment. Its vision, “At Mackay North, by engaging in learning every student succeeds,” reflects its commitment to helping every student achieve their best

Your opportunity:

The role will contribute to inclusive practices, student engagement, positive educational outcomes and effective case management across both school communities.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide student support and counselling by advocating for students and providing individualised counselling, guidance, psychoeducational assessment and recommendations relating to educational, behavioural, social, emotional, mental health, career and family matters.
• Assess student needs and develop targeted interventions through observation, assessment and collaboration with students, families and school staff to identify learning, developmental, behavioural and wellbeing needs and develop appropriate adjustments, support plans and interventions.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary support and case management by working collaboratively with school leadership, teachers, families, Student Wellbeing and Engagement Learning teams and external agencies to coordinate referrals, interventions and supports that promote student engagement, inclusion and access to education.
• Support student wellbeing, protection and engagement by contributing to student protection processes, behaviour support, risk management, critical incident responses and strategies that support students experiencing complex social, emotional, behavioural or family circumstances.
• Support transitions and pathways by contributing to effective transitions between year levels, schools and educational settings, as well as supporting students with pathway planning, career development, SET planning and re-engagement in education where required.
• Build staff capability and collaborative practice by providing professional advice, consultation and guidance to teachers and school staff regarding student needs, adjustments, engagement, behaviour and wellbeing, and contributing to relevant professional learning and whole-school initiatives.
• Work across two school communities by establishing positive and professional relationships with students, families, and staff at both Mackay North State School and Walkerston State School, adapting practice to meet the individual priorities, contexts and needs of each school.
• Maintain professional practice and confidentiality through accurate record keeping, appropriate information sharing, compliance with departmental policies and procedures, ongoing professional development and the maintenance of high standards of ethical and professional practice.

Please view the role description for a full list of responsibilities.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.