Govt push to recruit new qualified school counsellors and social workers to NT

A new national recruitment campaign has been launched by the Finocchiaro CLP Government to attract qualified school counsellors and social workers from across Australia and New Zealand to new Territory.

NT Education Minister Jo Hersey. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A new national recruitment campaign has been launched by the Finocchiaro Government to attract qualified school counsellors and social workers from across Australia and New Zealand to the Territory.

The roles will be based in urban and regional schools across the Territory.

Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey said the government has expanded the Northern Territory Public Sector Qualifications Handbook to recognise professional counselling memberships, not just qualifications in social work.

“This change opens the door for more skilled professionals to take up these critical roles in our schools,” she said.

“Having qualified, properly resourced school counsellors based in schools, not offices, alongside our school attendance officers, means targeted support can be delivered to the children and their families, who need it most.

“We want to see kids supported throughout their education, finishing school and moving into meaningful employment.

“This is exactly what we committed to before the election, and we are now delivering it as part of our year of action, certainty and security.”

Applicants with membership in the Australian Counselling Association, Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, or Australian Community Counselling Association can now apply.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online via the Join the Territory website. Successful applicants will begin working in Territory schools from semester 2, 2025.