We're Hiring!

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.

We currently have a rewarding opportunity for a Counsellor within our Inclusion, Wellbeing and Outreach team!

• Full-time: 36.25 hours per week
• Fixed term to December 2025
• Based at the Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas (on-site)
• HEWL 8: $108,964 - $125,126 per annum plus up to 17% superannuation, leave loading and other generous employee benefits

ABOUT THE ROLE

You’ll deliver high-quality psychological counselling and expert mental health services to support the personal and educational needs of our diverse student community. You’ll promote a positive mental health and wellbeing culture through evidence-based counselling and therapeutic interventions, targeted workshops and psychoeducational programs and events. In addition, you’ll build and maintain strong relationships with external mental health service providers to ensure students have reliable access to comprehensive support. You’ll uphold best practice by maintaining accurate client records and correspondence in line with relevant medical legislation, engaging in peer supervision and providing effective case management.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

As an accomplished health professional with a degree qualification in a relevant field (i.e. health, mental health, counselling or human services), you bring extensive 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 or PACFA Clinical 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
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Professional development support
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces with access to on-campus childcare, medical services, gym and cages.

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 17 August 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.

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.