"Counsellor"

•  494276
•  Cairns
•  Professional
•  Full time
•  Closing on: Jan 4 2026

Join our team at James Cook University (JCU), where you’ll help create a supportive environment that empowers students to thrive. As a Counsellor, you’ll play a meaningful role in enhancing student wellbeing and contributing to their educational success.

• Full-time (part-time may be considered for the preferred candidate)
• Fixed term to April 2027
• Based at the Cairns Nguma Bada campus, Smithfield (on-site)
• HEWL 8: $111,960 - $128,567 per annum plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading, and other generous benefits.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You’ll deliver high-quality counselling and mental health services to support the personal and educational needs of diverse students across the University. You’ll foster a positive mental health and wellbeing culture among students through therapeutic interventions and educational workshops, and nurture strong relationships with external mental health service providers, ensuring our students have reliable access to comprehensive support. Your compliance with medical legislation and participation in peer supervision will ensure best practice and maintain the integrity of our services.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

As an accomplished health professional with a degree qualification in a relevant field (i.e. health or human services), you bring proven experience in mental health assessment and intervention, counselling and case management to effectively address the varying complexities of student needs. Your exceptional communication and interpersonal skills will be essential in maintaining therapeutic relationships and liaising effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Although not essential, the following registrations, endorsements or memberships will be considered highly desirable: 

• Occupational Therapist: registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia with Occupational Therapy Australia Mental Health Endorsement.
• Psychologist: full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.
• Social Worker: membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers as an accredited Mental Health Social Worker.
• Registered Nurse: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration and Australian Credentialed Mental Health Nurse (ACMHN) credentialing.
• Counsellor: Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Level 3-4 membership.
• If not covered by professional AHPRA registration, it is a requirement to hold a current Queensland Working with Children Blue Card.

ABOUT THE STUDENT SERVICES AND SUPPORT DIRECTORATE

The Student Services and Support Directorate is responsible for managing and coordinating a broad range of student administrative and enquiry management functions and services that are critical to the student experience. Services cover the stages of the student life cycle, from once admitted to a course through to graduation. Areas within the Directorate include Academic Administration and Enrolment; Client Services, Communications and Engagement; Inclusion, Wellbeing and Outreach; Student Finance and Scholarships; Examinations and Graduations; and Student Matters.

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE WITH JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

Find out more about JCU, our Careers and our locations.

WHY JCU?

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 36.25-hour full-time working week
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• A range of flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Professional development support
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
• Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces with access to on-site cafes, and sporting and fitness facilities.

HOW TO APPLY AND CONTACT DETAILS

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page, create an applicant profile and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role. 

Applications close on Sunday 4th January at 11:55 PM AEST.

Please note, as the role requires an urgent commencement, we are seeking applications from candidates who currently hold valid Australian work rights.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Tanya Gleeson Rodney - tanya.rodney@jcu.edu.au. Please note, replies will be delayed during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

ABOUT OUR PROCESS

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

WHAT MATTERS TO US AT JCU

• Our People - Our staff, students, and the communities we serve
• Our Education - Knowledge has the power to change lives
• Our Place – the Tropics and beyond
• Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community, and are committed to ensuring our community, and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.