We are seeking a compassionate, skilled and student-focused Guidance Officer to join our school community and provide high-quality counselling, wellbeing and educational support to students. In this role you will work collaboratively with students, families, teachers, school leadership and external agencies to assess and respond to students’ educational, behavioural, social, emotional, mental health and career development needs. This is a temporary full-time position commencing January 2027 until 25 March 2027, unless otherwise determined.

About Us

Mackay North State High School has a proud tradition of educational excellence in the Mackay region. As a Band 11 school, we have an enrolment of over 1400 students. Our dedicated staff are committed to high quality teaching and learning across the school from Years 7 to 12.

At Mackay North SHS we provide the opportunity for every student to succeed. We offer students a wide range of pathways as they progress from Junior Secondary to Senior Secondary. We, and our community have high expectations of our students, whichever pathway they commit to follow.

The school values of respect, resilience and confidence are embedded into all facets of school life at North High. From the school wide well-being programs to the programs of academic excellence, our students are always encouraged and equipped to strive for their best.

About the Role

The role will be guidance to Year 8,10 & 12 students in a large complex secondary setting.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

- Student counselling and wellbeing: Provide counselling, advocacy, psychoeducational assessments and individualised support to students, addressing educational, behavioural, mental health, social, emotional, family and career-related needs.
- Assessment and intervention:



Observe and assess students to identify learning difficulties, disabilities, developmental needs and behavioural or emotional concerns, and develop appropriate recommendations, adjustments, intervention strategies and individualised support plans.
- Collaboration and case management: Work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, school leadership, multidisciplinary teams and external agencies to coordinate referrals, case management and comprehensive support that promotes student engagement and educational outcomes.
- Career, transition and specialised support: Support students with educational and career decision-making, SET planning and future pathways, while providing specialised assistance with behaviour support, student protection, critical incidents, transitions to alternative programs and reintegration into mainstream education.
- Professional practice and leadership: Maintain ethical standards of privacy, confidentiality and professional record keeping; contribute to policy implementation and risk management; provide career development and guidance to staff and parents; and deliver intensive behaviour support for students with complex needs.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

How to apply

- Please submit a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history); and
- A 2-page response to the 'How you will be assessed' section of the attached role description.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

📌 Guidance Officer - Mackay North State High School
🏢 Queensland Department of Education
📍 Mackay