Overview
Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 3
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Gippsland - Baw Baw
Reference:
Location Profile
Lowanna College is a vibrant, well-resourced Victorian Government secondary school catering for students from Years 7 to 12. With an enrolment of approximately 1,100 students, the College is set in an attractive bushland environment in Newborough. As the only secondary school in the Moe¿Newborough community, Lowanna draws students from both the local area and surrounding rural townships.
Located around 130 kilometres east of Melbourne, Newborough lies in the heart of picturesque Gippsland. The region is surrounded by rolling hills and offers easy access to the snowfields of Mt Baw Baw and the South Gippsland coastline. A wide range of recreational and sporting opportunities are available locally, including football, netball, golf, basketball, soccer, mountain biking and water sports.
Staffing Profile
Lowanna College employs a dedicated and highly skilled team, including:
* Principal
* 3 Assistant Principals
* 5 Leading Teachers
* 9 Learning Specialists
* Business Manager
* Finance & Operations Manager
* 70.03 EFT teaching staff
* 58.19 EFT Education Support staff
School Structure
The College is organised into three mini-schools of 300¿400 students:
* Junior School - Years 7 & 8
* Middle School - Years 9 & 10
* Senior School - Years 11 & 12
Each mini-school is led by a team including a Leading Teacher, Student Advocate, Student Support Officer and Administrative Assistant. Working collaboratively with teaching staff, they are committed to supporting both the academic growth and wellbeing of every student.
Facilities
Lowanna College offers modern, purpose-built facilities that provide a stimulating and supportive learning environment. Key facilities include:
* 580-seat auditorium
* Refurbished canteen and on-site cafeteria
* Two-court gymnasium
* Language Centre
* Year 12 Centre
* On-site Wellbeing Centre to support and re-engage students at risk
Curriculum and Programs
Lowanna provides a broad and diverse curriculum, complemented by extensive extra-curricular opportunities. The academic program includes:
* Junior School: core curriculum
* Middle School: core and elective program
* Senior School: VCE, VCAL and VETiS pathways
Year 10 students may accelerate their learning by undertaking VCE subjects.
Specialist learning opportunities extend across the Arts, Science, Technology, Physical Education and Food Studies. Students also benefit from:
* Lowanna Sports Academy
* Lowanna Institute of the Arts (launching in 2026)
* Longstanding Outdoor Education Program
* Access to the Gippsland Technical College, in partnership with other Latrobe Valley schools
The College also offers Italian and Indonesian, and maintains strong partnerships with Monash University, Federation University and Federation Training, providing students with clear pathways from Year 7 through to Year 12 and beyond.
Community and Partnerships
Lowanna College enjoys strong connections with other Latrobe Valley schools, particularly Kurnai College and Traralgon College. In 2014, these schools collaboratively established the Latrobe Valley Flexible Learning Option (LVFLO) to re-engage students and support their return to mainstream education.
The College also works closely with local feeder primary schools, hosting a range of transition events for staff, students and families.
Commitment and Values
The entire Lowanna College team is committed to continually improving student outcomes while fostering a strong sense of community.
At Lowanna, we proudly live by our values:
* Respect
* Integrity
* Determination
* Growth
* Excellence
We believe every student can achieve excellence. The Lowanna team work diligently to continue to improve outcomes for students and to maintain a strong sense of community within the College.
Selection Criteria
KSC 1 Evidence of experience delivering counselling services to children and adolescents, including assessment, early intervention, crisis support, and therapeutic strategies aligned with school wellbeing needs.
KSC 2 Strong understanding of social and emotional development, common psychological issues in school aged students, and the application of trauma informed, culturally responsive and evidence-based counselling approaches.
KSC 3 Proven capacity to work effectively with teachers, leadership teams, wellbeing staff, families and external agencies to support individual students and contribute to whole school wellbeing initiatives.
KSC 4 Ability to conduct wellbeing assessments, prepare support or safety plans, manage referrals, maintain accurate and confidential records, and meet legislative and departmental compliance requirements.
KSC 5 Sound understanding of Mandatory Reporting, Child Safe Standards, duty of care, and relevant Department of Education policies, ensuring safe, ethical and legally compliant practice within the school setting.
Role
The school Counsellor, operating at Education Support Range 3, provides specialised wellbeing support to students through counselling, assessment, early intervention, and coordinated case management. As a member of the schools wellbeing team, the counsellor applies knowledge of child and adolescent development, mental health, and trauma informed practice to address a wide range of social, emotional, and behavioural needs. The role requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, using sound professional judgement within established Department of Education policies, Child Safe Standards, and legal requirements.
Key responsibilities include conducting wellbeing and risk assessments, developing tailored support and safety plans, delivering individual and group interventions, and engaging families, teachers, leadership, and external agencies to ensure a holistic approach to student wellbeing. The counsellor contributes to whole school wellbeing planning, preventative initiatives, and the development of processes that enhance student engagement and connectedness.
The position involves maintaining accurate and confidential records, preparing reports where appropriate, and supporting staff through consultation and professional guidance. The counsellor is expected to model high level interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrate initiative in complex situations, and actively participate in ongoing professional development. This role strengthens the schools capacity to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students.
Responsibilities
* Deliver short term and ongoing counselling to students experiencing social, emotional, behavioural, or mental health challenges.
* Facilitate small group programs focused on wellbeing, resilience, social skills, or conflict resolution.
* Undertake wellbeing assessments, risk assessments, and safety planning where required.
* Develop and monitor individual support plans in collaboration with students, families, and staff.
* Provide immediate support during crises, such as disclosures of harm, emotional distress, or significant behavioural incidents.
* Follow school and departmental procedures for mandatory reporting and child safety.
* Consult with teaching staff to support classroom strategies and behaviour plans.
* Engage parents/carers to provide guidance and ensure wrap around support for students.
* Liaise with external agencies, psychologists, mental health services, and youth support networks.
* Document counselling sessions, wellbeing plans, and referral information in line with privacy legislation and school policies.
* Prepare reports as required for leadership or external professionals.
* Contribute to the design and delivery of wellbeing initiatives, workshops, and preventative mental health programs.
* Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive school culture aligned with Child Safe Standards.
* Provide professional insights to inform school improvement priorities and wellbeing strategies.
* Maintain up to date knowledge of counselling approaches, child development, mental health, trauma informed practice, and relevant legislation.
* Participate in team and staff meetings, ongoing professional development, and reflective practice.
* Other duties as directed by the Principal, Business Manager and/or Wellbeing Leader.
Who May Apply
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
Diversity and Inclusion
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
Child Safe Standards
Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:
DE Values
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:
Other Information
* All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
* Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
* A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
* Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at
Conditions of Employment
This vacancy is specifically linked to Student Support Funding and is ongoing. If the funding reduces or ceases during the first seven years of employment, employment may cease subject to the provision of at least 12 weeks' notice.
Applications close Monday 16 February 2026 at 11.59pm
Posted
3 February 2026