Student Services is seeking a highly motivated and strategic AO8 Principal Advisor, Mental Health to join the Central Queensland Region team in a temporary full-time capacity through to the end of Term 4, 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and strengthen whole-of-school mental health and wellbeing approaches across state schools, supporting improved outcomes for students and school communities.

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you!

Job details

About the Department of Education:

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us.

Step Into Your Next Chapter:

Reporting to the Manager Student Services, this role provides high-level strategic and operational advice to senior executives, school leaders and key stakeholders. The Principal Advisor supports the implementation of evidence-informed mental health initiatives aligned to the department's strategic priorities, ensuring inclusive, safe and supportive learning environments for all students.

The position plays a critical role in building school capability, enhancing social and emotional learning practices, coordinating integrated mental health supports, and improving outcomes for students - particularly those at risk of disengagement, suspension or complex wellbeing needs.

You will work collaboratively with school leadership teams, regional staff and external stakeholders to strengthen whole-of-school approaches to social and emotional wellbeing.

In this role, you will:

• Provide expert advice to senior leaders to inform strategic decision-making.
• Support schools to implement inclusive, evidence-informed mental health and social-emotional learning programs.
• Build the capability of school staff to integrate wellbeing practices across curriculum and school culture.
• Strengthen referral pathways and interagency collaboration to support students with complex needs.
• Use data and evidence to inform targeted mental health promotion and service delivery.
• Promote inclusive practices that support diverse learners, including students with disabilities, Indigenous students, refugee students, LGBTQIA+ students and those experiencing mental illness.
• Enhance regional coordination of mental health initiatives to ensure consistency, quality and impact.

Please view the role description for a full list of responsibilities.

The Perfect Fit:

This role requires strategic leadership, strong stakeholder engagement, and the ability to lead change in complex environments. The successful candidate will demonstrate the Leadership Competencies for Queensland, including leading strategically, building enduring relationships, driving accountability, and fostering inclusive workplaces.

Submit Your Application:

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
• Attach a 2-page written statement in response to the attached role description.
• Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration outlined in 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.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached Role Description and Applicant Information Package and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 232KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  CQR681110_26T Role Description (PDF, 250KB)
  Role Description