Cooktown State School is seeking a Guidance Officer for a temporary full-time position starting April 20th 2026.

The successful applicant will join our dedicated student support team and work collaboratively with staff across Prep to Year 12 to enhance the wellbeing, engagement and achievement of our students.

You will play a key role in building positive relationships with students, families and staff, and in fostering an inclusive environment where every student is supported to reach their full potential.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in students' lives and contributing to a supportive school culture, we invite you to apply today.

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.

Who We Are: 

Cooktown State School first opened on the 25th January 1875 with Mr Mathews as the head teacher, or “Master” as his position was called then. 

The other teacher was Mrs Mathews, who was employed to assist her husband, even though she had no form..al qualifications.  Average attendance was reported as being 147.

Today Cooktown State School is prep to year 12, operating over a primary, junior secondary and senior secondary campus.

Step Into Your Next Chapter: 

As a Guidance Officer at Cooktown State School, you will bring strong interpersonal skills, experience in student support services, and a genuine commitment to supporting young people in a unique and diverse community setting.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide specialised counselling and assessment to support students' educational, behavioural, wellbeing, career, and mental health needs, including psychoeducational assessment and individualised recommendations.
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated case management, referrals, and partnerships with parents, school staff, and external agencies.
• Support student pathways and transitions through decision-making counselling, SET planning, career development, alternative education transitions, and reintegration into mainstream schooling.
• Lead targeted interventions and policy implementation including behaviour support, student protection, gifted education, risk management, and intensive behaviour support plans.
• Uphold professional, ethical, and legal standards through confidential practice, accurate record keeping, leadership in critical incidents, and ongoing professional learning and staff development.

Please view the role des.cription for a full list of responsibilities.

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 response to the How you will be assessed section of the attached role des.cription.
• Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration outlined in the attached role des.cription 

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
  
  FNR684990_26T Role Description (PDF, 279KB)
  Role Description