We're Hiring!

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

We now have two exciting opportunities to join our team at the College of Arts, Society and Education as a Lecturer, Counselling.

• Two part-time (50%) and continuing positions 
• Located at the picturesque Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus in tropical North Queensland 
• Remote work may be considered within Australia
• ACAD Level B $112,810 - $133,110 p.a. plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits (pro-rata for part-time). 

About the College of Arts, Society and Education  

The College of Arts, Society and Education builds capacity in the tropics by providing coursework that can develop knowledge and skills in Humanities, Arts and Creative Media, Social Sciences, Social Work and Education. We also facilitate the expansion of knowledge of people and societies in the Tropics through research at Masters and PhD levels.

In addition to Bachelor degrees, Humanities and Creative Arts offers short language courses through the JCU Academy of Modern Languages at the Townsville and Cairns campuses. We also offer postgraduate programs in Career Development and Counselling.

About the role 

The Lecturer in Counselling will be responsible for coordinating and teaching in the Master of Guidance and Counselling in the College of Arts, Society and Education (CASE). As course coordinator, the appointee will have oversight of the program, and be responsible for the development and delivery of innovative and contemporary course materials and assessments. 

The appointee will work collaboratively to lead program accreditation with accrediting authorities (Australian Counselling Association and Singapore Association for Counselling), and have oversight of ongoing quality assurance and compliance requirements. They will work to enhance community engagement with relevant stakeholders, including schools and placement host organisations.

The appointee will also conduct research and publish in the field of Guidance and Counselling and supervise Higher Degree by Research candidates. The appointee will also support the University’s strategic direction and that of the College and the Education Academic Group.

Preference will be given to applicants who are able to lead and/or contribute to the development of interdisciplinary research in the areas of Counselling, Career Development, Educational Leadership and Human Services, such that fosters synergies across the suite of programs offered in CASE; and those who can lead and/or contribute to the research priorities of the College including regional, rural and remote education.

What you will bring to the role 

• Possess at least a Master level in Counselling, or a Master level in Counselling and a demonstrated progress towards a PhD in Counselling (or a cognate discipline).
• Be registered as a counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association, and demonstrate successful experience working in the Counselling profession.
• Demonstrated leadership and oversight of professional accreditation processes for Counselling programs with the Australian Counselling Association, as appropriate to the level of appointment.
• Demonstrated experience of leading curriculum reform in the field of Counselling; demonstrated experience designing and delivering innovative curriculum in the field of Counselling in a combination of face-to-face, online, blended and flexible modes that are inclusive and student-centred – as appropriate to the level of appointment.
• The appointee’s counselling specialisations include mental health, career counselling, family and relationship, loss and grief, drug and alcohol counselling, trauma counselling, counselling for children and young people, multicultural counselling, rehabilitation counselling and EAP, utilising a range of counselling philosophies, modalities and interventions.
• A proven track record of research and impact of research in the field of Counselling or cognate disciplines, including peer-reviewed publications and successful grant activity, and supervision of Higher Degree Research candidates to timely completion, as appropriate to career stage.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and ethically in teams on teaching, research and community engagement projects; and demonstrated productive engagement with professional organisations, community agencies and schools.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and ethical manner; and demonstrated organisational and administrative skills.

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 and our locations.

Why JCU? 

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year (pro-rata for part-time) 
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Well-equipped campus facilities including medical, cafes, gym and childcare.

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

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 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 of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role. 
4. Upload a separate document in response to the selection criteria specified in relation to the selection criteria as found in the duty descriptor. 

Applications close on 12 April 2026 at 11:55 PM AEST.

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.

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