"Manager, Counselling, Safety and Wellbeing"

Lead and develop a high-performing counselling and wellbeing team

Shape evidence-based, trauma-informed student support services

Influence student safety, wellbeing and retention at scale

Be Bold. Belong. Be More.

At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.

A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.

You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity

The Stay Well team at Southern Cross University delivers vital services that support student safety, wellbeing and engagement across the University. Working within the Vice President Students and Registrar portfolio, the team plays a critical role in improving student success, retention and overall experience.

As Manager, Counselling, Safety & Wellbeing, you will lead the Student Counselling, Safety & Wellbeing team, overseeing the delivery and continuous improvement of counselling, wellbeing and safety services across the University. This is a hands-on leadership role that blends people leadership, service design, clinical governance and evidence-based practice, within a short-term, stepped-care service model aligned to the higher education context.

You will join a team that has recently completed a significant period of consultation, review and change and is now well positioned to move forward with clarity, trust and momentum. This role is ideal for a confident, values driven leader who can bring people together, navigate complexity and champion positive outcomes for students and staff.

You will make an impact by:

Leading and developing a high-performing counselling, safety and wellbeing team, including supervision and professional development

Providing direct counselling and crisis support (up to 20%), prioritising complex and high-risk cases using a structured service model

Driving continuous improvement through a step-care, short term and prevention focused approach to student wellbeing

Leading trauma informed, compliant and evidence-based practices aligned with legislative, safeguarding and GBV requirements

Using data, evaluation and reporting to demonstrate impact, inform strategy and strengthen student wellbeing outcomes.

What you will bring

You’re an experienced and empathetic leader with a strong background in counselling, psychology or social work, and a deep understanding of wellbeing services within an education environment. You are confident managing people, navigating difficult conversations, and balancing care with accountability. You’re excited by evidence-based tools, innovation and the opportunity to shape high-quality services that make a real difference to students’ lives. 

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

A tertiary qualification in psychology, counselling or social work, with current professional registration with a recognized body

Demonstrated leadership experience withing student wellbeing, counselling or mental health services. University experience is desirable but not essential

Proven ability to supervise and develop staff, including capability to supervise social work or psychology student placements, or willingness to obtain required qualifications

Strong understanding of privacy, safeguarding, risk management, compliance and trauma-informed practice

Experience designing, delivering and evaluating wellbeing and safety programs, supported by data, reporting and continuous improvement 

Why Southern Cross University

SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. 

A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.

Your opportunity is:

Full-time, continuing (permanent)

Located at Gold Coast, QLD 4225 or Lismore, NSW 2480 preferred, with Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450 also considered. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities.

HEW Level 8. The base salary ranges from $120,756 - $133,154 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $155,790.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

Be more with Southern Cross University today

Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

Name: Swathi Kartik

Email: Swathi.kartik@scu.edu.au

Applications close 11.30pm AEST 15 February 2026.

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.  

Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate.

For any support through the recruitment process reach out to jobs@scu.edu.au.

Position description Opens in new window