School Counsellor 2027

Padua College - Victoria; Mornington; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 115,000; Part time

Job summary

Padua College is seeking a part-time (0.50 FTE) School Counsellor to support the emotional, social, psychological and educational wellbeing of students across the college. The role works within a multidisciplinary wellbeing framework to provide counselling, assessment, early intervention, referral and follow-up support.

The Counsellor will collaborate with students, families, staff, and external health professionals to identify needs, develop support strategies, and promote positive engagement

Qualifications

• Victorian Institute of Teaching Registration required for teaching positions; Working with Children Check and National Police Check for non-teaching roles.

Responsibilities

• Support the emotional, social, psychological, and educational wellbeing of students across the College.
• Provide professional, evidence-informed counselling, assessment, early intervention, referral and follow-up support.
• Liaise with families, teaching staff, and external health professionals to coordinate care.
• Contribute to College wellbeing initiatives and incident responses.

Job description

Padua College is a coeducational Catholic secondary school serving the Mornington Peninsula through a dedicated multi-campus model. Grounded in our Catholic heritage, Padua College embraces a holistic approach, nurturing academic excellence, formation in faith, compassion, moral responsibility, and emotional maturity in every young person. We believe that every child is important and uniquely gifted, created in the image and likeness of God. In unlocking their potential and discovering their talents, we inspire students to live purposefully, become lifelong learners, and make a positive impact on their world through service and justice.

About the role

Applications are sought for the ongoing part-time level 5 category B position (0.50 FTE) of School Counsellor.

Motivating Every Purpose

Our “why” at Padua College is grounded in our Catholic identity and shaped by our Franciscan and Mercy charisms. Through education, we seek to recognise the dignity and potential of every person, inspire a love of learning, nurture the growth of the whole person, build relationships founded on compassion and respect, and encourage each person to use their gifts in service of others.

This is at the heart of Motivating Every Purpose and gives direction to our vision, decisions, and actions.

Together, we are committed to supporting every person to:

• discover and develop their God-given gifts and talents;
• grow as a learner and as a person, striving to become all they are called to be; and
• use their gifts, knowledge, and character to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world.

Motivating Every Purpose

Our “why” at Padua College is grounded in our Catholic identity and shaped by our Franciscan and Mercy charisms. Through education, we seek to recognise the dignity and potential of every person, inspire a love of learning, nurture the growth of the whole person, build relationships founded on compassion and respect, and encourage each person to use their gifts in service of others.

This is at the heart of Motivating Every Purpose and gives direction to our vision, decisions, and actions.

Together, we are committed to supporting every person to:

• discover and develop their God-given gifts and talents;
• grow as a learner and as a person, striving to become all they are called to be; and
• use their gifts, knowledge, and character to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world.

Overview of the Role

The School Counsellor plays an important role in supporting the emotional, social, psychological, and educational wellbeing of students across the College. Working within a multidisciplinary and collaborative wellbeing framework, the School Counsellor provides professional, evidence-informed counselling, assessment, early intervention, referral, and follow-up support to students experiencing a broad range of personal, family, social, behavioural, or educational challenges.

The position works in partnership with students, families, teaching staff, House Coordinators, Heads of Campus and other relevant College personnel to identify student needs, develop appropriate support strategies and promote positive engagement with learning and College life. The School Counsellor also liaises with external health professionals, agencies, and support services where specialist assessment, intervention or ongoing care is required.

Grounded in the Mission, Values and Catholic identity of Padua College, the School Counsellor contributes to a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment in which every student is known, valued, and treated with dignity. The role requires sound professional judgement, appropriate confidentiality, accurate record-keeping, and a clear understanding of child safety, mandatory reporting, and professional obligations. The School Counsellor also contributes to College-wide wellbeing initiatives, critical incident responses and preventative programs that strengthen student resilience, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

The School Counsellor reports to the Principal through the Vice Principal – Students and is directed by the Vice Principal – Students.

Major Areas of Responsibility

The School Counsellor’s major areas of responsibility include but are not limited to:

• Supporting the implementation of the Vision and Mission Statements of Padua College
• Collaborating with the College Pastoral Associate and other Counselling Services Team members on matters of the wellbeing of members of the College community
• Liaising with teaching staff concerning student wellbeing issues
• Supporting the College Pastoral Associate and College Pastoral Executive in formulating the College response to any College critical incident
• Being a representative on various College and external committees
• Performing other duties and implementing decisions as requested by the Principal or the College Improvement Team.

SALARY REMUNERATION: According to the CEMEA 2022, $7102,955.00 - $113,653.00 per annum, plus 12% superannuation.

Applications for this position close at 10.00am Monday 23 November 2026.

Padua College is a Child Safe School and promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children. For teaching positions successful applicants will hold Victorian Institute of Teaching Registration and for non-teaching positions successful applicants will be subject to a Working with Children Check and a National Police Record Check.