<p><strong>Student Counselling Practitioner</strong><br><strong>Full Time Fixed Term – 12 months</strong></p> <p>Damascus College is a dynamic Christ-centred learning community, set in a beautiful 22-hectare bush setting close to the Ballarat CBD.&nbsp;As Ballarat’s only Catholic co-educational secondary&nbsp;college, our innovative and progressive learning environment aspires&nbsp;to challenge students to contribute&nbsp;confidently to the global&nbsp;community.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Student Counselling Practitioner to join our Student Wellbeing team in a fixed term 12-month position. This role provides professional counselling services in a supportive educational environment with a strong focus on promoting the social, emotional, and academic development of our students.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Deliver professional, child-centered counselling services to students.</li> <li>Maintain accurate records adhering to ethical and legislative standards.</li> <li>Actively collaborate with the Student Wellbeing Team, Leadership, staff, parents, and external agencies to support student mental health and wellbeing.</li> <li>Assist with the development and delivery of programs that promote social, emotional, and academic growth for students, staff, and parents.</li> <li>Build and maintain positive relationships with students, families, staff, and external stakeholders.</li> <li>Ensure compliance with child-safe policies, Victorian Child Safe Standards, and Ministerial Order 1359, and actively contribute to the College community.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Qualifications, Skills and Experience</strong></p> <p>The successful candidate must hold a formal qualification in Counselling, Social Work, Social Welfare or equivalent and/or qualifications in Psychology or equivalent.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The successful applicant must demonstrate:</p> <ol> <li>Strong experience providing high-quality counselling and individual support to young people and families within a school setting, including excellent case note management and confidentiality practices.</li> <li>Capacity to respond effectively in crisis situations and support students with complex needs.</li> <li>Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage complex casework and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.</li> <li>Experience and understanding of Child Safe Standards and working with the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP), including compliance, reporting obligations and best-practice safeguarding processes.</li> <li>A clear understanding of and commitment to the ethos of Damascus College as a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Why Join Damascus College</strong></p> <ul> <li>Our leadership team prioritises creating a supportive environment that nurtures both wellbeing and career growth.</li> <li>Be part of a collaborative and professional team in a uniquely serene working environment.</li> <li>Staff wellbeing and work–life balance are central to our culture and priorities.</li> <li>Enjoy the benefits of an active Staff Association with regular social events and activities.</li> <li>Access confidential counselling and wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).</li> </ul> <p>For an application to be considered, applicants will be expected to provide and complete:</p> <p>(1) a Cover Letter</p> <p>(2) a Key Selection Statement (please refer to Qualifications, Skills and Experience in the position description)</p> <p>(3) a detailed resume and</p> <p>(4) a completed College Application Form</p> <p>For a confidential, no-obligation conversation contact the People &amp; Culture Team on (03) 5337 2222.</p> <p><strong>Applications close 9am Wednesday 25th February 2026.</strong></p> <p><strong>Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.</strong></p> <p><i>Damascus College is committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and young people. All employees and volunteers to the college must be committed to providing the highest level of safety and care.</i></p> <p><i>Damascus College acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land the Wadawurrung people. We pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging.</i></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br><br> &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://careers.pageuppeople.com/1206/ton/en/PositionDescriptionDocument/492545/fixed-term-student-counselling-practitioner">Applicant Information Pack</a></p>