School Counsellor

Support the social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of students from Prep to Year 12, through short-term counselling and collaborative pastoral care.....

School Counsellor ( 0.6 FTE )

Commencing 21 July 2025 or as negotiated
Mount Evelyn Christian School (MECS)

Mount Evelyn Christian School is seeking a qualified and compassionate School Counsellor to join our dedicated wellbeing team in a part-time, ongoing capacity. This role is integral to supporting the social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of students from Prep to Year 12, through short-term counselling and collaborative pastoral care.

The successful applicant will work closely with students, staff, and families to address complex wellbeing needs, contributing to a nurturing and Christ-centred school environment. This position is suitable for professionals with backgrounds in counselling, psychology, social work, or youth work, who are passionate about supporting young people within a Christian educational context.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide short-term counselling and mental health support to students across all year levels.
• Collaborate with the MECS wellbeing team to develop and implement proactive wellbeing strategies.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in accordance with professional standards.
• Liaise with staff, parents/caregivers, and external professionals to ensure holistic support for students.
• Contribute to the development of a safe, inclusive, and supportive school culture.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• Postgraduate qualifications in counselling, psychology, social work, or a related discipline.
• Registration with a relevant governing body (e.g. AHPRA or equivalent counselling association).
• Demonstrated experience in counselling or mental health support for children and/or adolescents.
• Understanding of the unique challenges faced by young people in a school setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive, professional relationships with staff, parents/caregivers and the overarching MECS community.

Personal Attributes:

• A personal and active Christian faith, including regular participation in a Christian church community.
• Commitment to the Vision and Ethos of MECS, including the role of parents/caregivers as partners in education.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a team.
• High level of confidentiality, discretion, and professional integrity.
• Excellent written, verbal, and electronic communication skills.
• Strong time management, organisation, and planning abilities.

Additional Requirements:

• A current Working with Children Check.
• A current Police Record Check.
• Willingness to adhere to MECS’s Child Safety Policy, which prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all students through rigorous recruitment and safeguarding practices.

We would like the successful applicant to wholeheartedly join a team implementing a distinctively biblical approach to supporting students. MECS has a strict Child Safety Policy. The safety and wellbeing of all our students is a high priority. As part of our recruitment process, MECS undertakes rigorous reference and background checking. Applicants must have a current Working with Children Card and current Police Record Check.

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. MECS reserves the right to conduct interviews and make an appointment prior to the advertised closing date, should a suitable candidate be identified.

MECS does not accept unsolicited agency approaches. We expect candidates to apply directly.

For further information, please contact Karissa Esselbrugge via email: kesselbrugge@mecs.vic.edu.au. Further discussion via phone call can also be arranged by emailing Karissa.

Please download and read the School Counsellor Job Description for additional information, including the tertiary education requirements, training, and practical experience.

Please visit the MECS Employment website to apply – https://www.mecs.vic.edu.au/employment/

This position is not available to overseas applicants.

Applications close: 10am, July 14^th, 2025.