School Counsellor/Psychologist (Senior School)

Canberra Girls Grammar School Employees, Location, Alumni; Canberra; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration above award

Discounted school fees

Free onsite gym and heated pool

Salary sacrifice options

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Canberra Girls Grammar School invites applications for a part-time School Counsellor/Psychologist (Senior School) to cover parental leave. The role is 2 days per week (0.4 FTE) commencing in 2027, within a values-driven culture committed to professional learning and child safety.

You will work with a dedicated pastoral care team to support students and families, including psychosocial assessments, counselling, and collaboration with external agencies as needed.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in Psychology required for candidacy.
• General registration (or eligibility) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience providing psychological or counselling services to children and adolescents.
• Minimum five years of clinical experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Undertake psychosocial assessments.
• Provide timely and effective counselling for students.
• Deliver evidence-based counselling to enhance social, emotional and academic development.
• Develop and implement management plans for students as needed.
• Liaise with external agencies and refer as appropriate.
• Respond to critical incidents involving students.
• Offer support to parents and facilitate parent meetings.
• Provide guidance to staff on student welfare.

Skills

Child psychology counselling

AHPRA registration eligibility

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Psychology

Job description

School Counsellor/Psychologist (Senior School)

Contract Type: Contract Position Part Time (0.40 FTE)

Applications Close: 9 November 2026

Canberra Girls Grammar School seeks a School Counsellor/Psychologist (Senior School) for a part-time (2 days/week, 0.4 FTE), fixed-term parental leave contract commencing in 2027.

Applications for this position close at 9.00am on Monday 9 November 2026, although we reserve the right to make an early appointment should a suitable candidate apply.

• Part-time, fixed term position (to cover a period of parental leave), commencing in 2027
• Professional and values-driven culture
• Commitment to professional learning

Who we are

Discover a 100-year legacy of educational excellence, connection and opportunity at Canberra Girls Grammar School (CGGS).

CGGS is an independent, non-selective Anglican school. For over a century, it has provided students from across the world with a comprehensive and well-rounded education. Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, and now spanning three campuses, CGGS provides a world-class educational and co-curricular offering in the CYGNUS suite. Perfectly positioned at mid-sized with over 1300 students, the School is co-educational from Early Learning to Year 3, then female-focused through to Year 12.

In working at CGGS, you will be inspired by the founders of Canberra’s first independent school to contribute and leave your mark on generations to come. You will work alongside a dedicated team and will feel genuinely supported by a values-driven workplace committed to educational excellence. We are steadfast in our belief that diversity is a strength, fostering an inclusive and equitable community where all voices are heard and valued.

Our students are diligent and hardworking, creating an environment in which all can grow and achieve. With access to contemporary facilities and a commitment to professional development, you will also have the resources you need to contribute meaningfully to our School community.

CGGS is committed to child safety.As such, the successful applicant will be expected to satisfy child protection screening and adhere to the School’s Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct. These documents can be downloaded from the CGGS website or are available from the School.

All staff must:

• Demonstrate and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct and complete regular training in Child Protection standards.
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people to whom we provide services.
• Ensure that their interactions with children and young people are positive and safe.
• Provide adequate care and supervision of children and young people in their charge.
• Act as a positive role model for children and young people.
• Must provide a current Working with Vulnerable People Check (WWVP) prior to commencement.
• Must provide an Australian Police Check prior to commencement. If applying from overseas, an international police check is required.

The position

With more than 1,350 students across the School, including Boarders, the School Counselling/Psychologist Service is part of the Pastoral Care team and is directly responsible to the Director – Student Care and Experience.

The School Counsellor/Psychologist works collaboratively with other team members to support students and their families with emotional challenges to enhance their engagement with the learning environment.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Undertake psychosocial assessments.
• Provide timely and effective counselling for any student (self-referred or referred by parents or staff).
• Provide evidence-based counselling services for students which aim to enhance social, emotional, and academic development.
• Recommend options for students in need of learning support.
• Develop, organise, and implement management plans for students when necessary.
• Assess and take appropriate action as necessary.
• Liaise with and make appropriate referrals to external agencies as necessary.
• Respond to critical incidents involving students.
• Offer support and consultation to parents as necessary and facilitate parent meetings.
• Provide advice and recommendations for the development and welfare of students to staff members as appropriate.

This is a part-time, fixed term position (2 days per week, including Fridays and either Wednesdays or Thursdays, to cover a period of parental leave). A full position description can be found on the Employment page of our website: https://www.cggs.act.edu.au/careers

To note:
It is the nature of the work at CGGS that tasks and responsibilities are, in many circumstances, unpredictable and varied. All staff members are therefore expected to work in a flexible way when the occasion arises and undertake tasks that are not specifically covered in the position description.

Skills and experience

• Postgraduate qualification in Psychology or other relevant qualifications (counselling, social work or related field)
• General registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), or other relevant professional bodies
• Demonstrated experience providing psychological or counselling services to children and adolescents
• Minimum five years of clinical experience (desirable)
• Competitive remuneration package (above award).
• Discounted school fees.
• Free onsite gym and heated pool.
• Salary sacrifice options.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Your professional advancement:

• Authentic and practical leadership development opportunities.
• Significant time allowances for leadership positions.
• A generous professional learning budget.
• Active research and conference presentation opportunities.First Aid training.

Affiliation: Anglican
Teaching Level: Combined
Gender: Girl

1300 Students
138 TeachingStaff
116 Non-Teaching Staff

Multi Campus

Boarding School

Offers IB

Canberra Girls Grammar School (CGGS) is an independent, non-selective Anglican school with an enrolment of approximately 1,300 students. Spread over two campuses, the School is co-educational from Early Learning to the end of Year 3 and girls only from Years 4 to 12. Boarding facilities are available for girls in Years 7 to 12. Established in 1926 by the Sisters of the Church, led by Mother Emily Ayckbowm, CGGS is the oldest private day and boarding school in the ACT.