Job Description

Mental Health & Wellbeing Counsellor (Sydney)

About JMC Academy

Founded in 1982, JMC Academy is Australia’s premier institution in Creative Industries education, offering a diverse range of Degrees and Diplomas in Music, Songwriting, Audio Engineering, Film and Television Production, Acting, Entertainment Business Management, Visual Communication (Design), Animation, Game Design, and Music Production. With a 40-year legacy, JMC Academy provides cutting-edge and technologically advanced programs that meet the global demands of the creative industries. JMC operates from 3 large footprint campuses across the east coast of Australia (VIC, NSW & QLD), teaches ~2,500 students per annum and is positioned as one of the largest private higher education providers in Australia.

With advanced-design campuses, ongoing technology upgrades, a dedicated team of academics and industry professionals, and a network of international master class lecturers, JMC Academy is committed to ensuring our graduates make their own indelible mark on industry.

JMC Academy’s ultimate focus is to deliver inspiring and technologically sophisticated programs, which cater to the global needs of the Creative industries. By nurturing, supporting and mentoring students who share a true passion and dedication for these industries, we can guide them into rewarding careers.

Our Purpose

We educate and inspire creative minds to shape their careers and our world.

At JMC Academy, we educate and empower creative minds to transform their passion into lifelong careers and meaningful contributions to the world.

As a vibrant, inclusive community of innovators and explorers, we deliver rigorous, real-world education in the creative industries, uniting academic excellence with practical experience, emerging technologies and industry engagement.

We nurture resilience, compassion, and curiosity in every student, helping them chart their unique path, shape their careers, and become creative leaders who inspire, connect, and thrive, locally and globally.

Our Vision

To be the global leader in creative education, chosen by creatives, trusted by industry.

Our Values

• Creative Innovators — An opportunity to dream, bring our creative genius to life, making meaningful contribution and delivering innovation to the world stage.
• Curious & Resilient Explorers — In a world of uncertainty, we are a team of curious minds, who embrace the uncertain, creating a life of learning, exploration and inspiration. At JMC we grow our voice to be confident and unstoppable. We aren't afraid to fall, as we know we will rise.
• Inclusive Community of Connectors — We create meaningful pathways, only possible through our connections and impact.
• Empathetic & Compassionate Leaders — We care about every individual who walks through our doors, with kindness in our hearts and purpose in our minds.
• Honest, Accountable & of Uncompromising Quality — Our honesty, integrity and quality will not be compromised, as we strive to achieve our best. We are determined to reach our goals, as we hold ourselves and each other accountable.

Our Difference

Creative education requires a unique approach. This is why the JMC student experience is different. Our world-class studios, student spaces and hands-on learning inspire creative exploration, collaboration and innovation.

YOUR ROLE, HONESTLY

The Mental Health & Wellbeing Counsellor provides dedicated mental health and wellbeing support to students on campus and online, forming a critical part of JMC's commitment to student care and continuity of support. This role is responsible for improving the quality and consistency of student wellbeing services, promoting mental health, psychological safety, early intervention and connection to appropriate support services.

Reporting to the National Student Experience, Engagement & Wellbeing Lead, the Mental Health & Wellbeing Counsellor is deeply embedded in the day-to-day campus environment, providing early intervention support, crisis referral, and proactive wellbeing programming in close collaboration with campus-based and national colleagues.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Student Wellbeing Support

• Provide timely, confidential and student-centred wellbeing support to students.
• Provide in person and online appointments at your local campus and nationally online to ensure counselling is equally accessible to every student at every location
• Conduct initial wellbeing conversations to understand student needs, risks and appropriate support pathways.
• Assist students to access internal services, external providers and emergency supports where required.
• Maintain clear boundaries between wellbeing support, counselling, academic advice and crisis response.

Referral, Escalation & Risk Management

• Apply approved referral and escalation pathways for students requiring specialist mental health, crisis, medical or external support.
• Identify and escalate student risk concerns in line with JMC policies, duty of care obligations and confidentiality requirements.
• Work with the National Student Experience, Engagement & Wellbeing Lead on complex or high-risk matters.

Wellbeing Programs & Early Intervention

• Design and deliver wellbeing initiatives, awareness campaigns, workshops and proactive student support activities.
• Collaborate with Student Experience & Engagement Coordinators on Wellness Week and other wellbeing-related campus events.
• Contribute to early trimester wellbeing touchpoints and transition support for new students.
• Promote practical wellbeing resources, help-seeking behaviours and inclusive campus culture.

Collaboration with Campus and Academic Teams

• Work with Student Services, Academic Support, Learning Support, HODs and campus teams to support students within appropriate privacy boundaries.
• Provide general guidance to staff on referral pathways and wellbeing support options, without disclosing confidential student information.
• Help identify recurring wellbeing themes or barriers affecting student engagement and report these through appropriate channels.
• Support a student-centred approach to wellbeing that recognises neurodiversity, creative practice pressures and student transition needs.

Compliance, Confidentiality & Professional Practice

• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and accurate record keeping in line with JMC requirements.
• Operate within role scope and relevant professional, ethical and legal obligations.
• Participate in supervision, case review, debriefing and professional development as required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of JMC’s wellbeing framework and student support practices.

Work Health, Safety & Wellbeing

All JMC Academy employees share responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. In this role, you are expected to take reasonable care for your own health and safety, and for the health and safety of others who may be affected by your work; comply with JMC Academy’s WHS policies, procedures and safe work practices, and follow reasonable instructions from JMC or emergency response personnel; report all hazards, incidents, injuries and near misses to your line manager as soon as practicable; participate in WHS consultation, training and wellbeing initiatives relevant to your role; and contribute to a respectful, inclusive and psychologically safe work environment, free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Tertiary qualification in counselling, social work, psychology, or a related mental health discipline.
• Demonstrated experience providing wellbeing or mental health support to young adults in an educational, community, or health setting.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and culturally responsive care.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted, professional relationships with students.
• Clear understanding of professional boundaries, confidentiality obligations, and mandatory reporting requirements.
• Experience with crisis intervention and referral to specialist services.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Current registration or membership with a relevant professional body (AHPRA, AASW, ACA, or equivalent) preferred.
• Working with Children Check and National Police Check required.

THE PRACTICAL BITS

BASE: Sydney

REPORTS TO: National Student Experience, Engagement & Wellbeing Lead

TYPE: Full time, Permanent

SALARY: Competitive, commensurate with experience; we’ll talk specifics early in the process.

WHAT TO SEND

A CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how you meet the criteria listed in the position description