Therapeutic Caseworker - Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing

About this Opportunity

• Continuing Contingent^, Part-Time (0.8FTE - 58hrs/fortnight)
• Wellbeing Directorate
• CQUniversity Mackay, Rockhampton or Townsville
• Higher Education Worker Level 7
• Total Remuneration $100,662 to $108,862 pa (including salary of $85,060 to $91,990 plus 17% superannuation and leave loading)

Help strengthen the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students while creating meaningful change through culturally safe, strengths-based support.

Working at CQUniversity

CQUniversity’s Counselling, Wellbeing and Safer Communities teams are committed to supporting the social, emotional and academic wellbeing of students across the University. Through culturally informed counselling, wellbeing and safer community services, the portfolio promotes student engagement and retention, while providing advice and support to students navigating personal challenges that may impact their studies and overall wellbeing.

As a key member of the Wellbeing Directorate, you will work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to support their Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) throughout their educational journey. Working within a strength-based and holistic framework, you will provide culturally safe support that recognises the academic, personal, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of students, while connecting them with appropriate internal and external services.

 A key aspect of this role is facilitating culturally appropriate men's business workshops and wellbeing initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across Counselling, Wellbeing and Indigenous Student Engagement to strengthen student support pathways and promote positive wellbeing outcomes.

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced practitioner who values the strengths, knowledge and lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You will confidently build meaningful relationships with students and stakeholders, deliver individual and group wellbeing interventions, and contribute to positive student experiences and outcomes across CQUniversity. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the wellbeing, success and sense of belonging of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at CQUniversity.

Considering applying? We'd love to connect.

We understand that applying for a role is a big decision. If you'd like to have a confidential conversation about the position, the team or working at CQUniversity, we encourage you to get in touch before submitting an application.

Be Rewarded

• Up to 5 days paid Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural or Ceremonial Leave
• Join a team committed to reconciliation and culturally safe practice
• Work alongside passionate Indigenous Student Engagement and Wellbeing professionals
• 17% superannuation (with the choice to join an award-winning superfund)
• 5.4 weeks annual leave (plus 3 working days paid at Christmas and New Year closure)*
• 10 days personal/sick leave, plus 5 days carer’s leave*
• 7.25 hours engaged service leave
• Fantastic professional and career development opportunities
• Up to 26 weeks (six months) paid parental leave*
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program and Fitness Passport

Position Requirements

• A strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities and Social and Emotional Wellbeing, with the ability to build culturally safe, respectful and trusting relationships with students, families and communities.
• Experience delivering culturally responsive wellbeing, therapeutic or community support services, including developing and facilitating individual and group wellbeing initiatives. Experience facilitating men's business workshops or similar culturally appropriate programs will be highly regarded.
• Relevant qualifications in psychology, social work, counselling, occupational therapy or a related discipline, with current professional registration or eligibility to obtain registration or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Demonstrated experience supporting people experiencing complex wellbeing or mental health challenges, including providing therapeutic interventions, referrals and coordinated support tailored to individual needs.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively alongside students, colleagues, community organisations and external service providers.
• A commitment to working within a strengths-based, trauma-informed and culturally safe framework that recognises the strengths, resilience and lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We recognise that no candidate will meet every criterion. If you believe your knowledge, lived experience and skills will enable you to make a meaningful contribution to this role, we encourage you to apply.

Position Description

For further information about this position, please refer to the Position Description.

Pre-Employment Checks

Appointment to this role is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, which may include a National Police Check and/or Working with Children Check (where applicable).

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where its members can study, work and live free from gender-based violence. In line with our organisational values and regulatory obligations, applicants may be required to declare any past or current allegations, investigations or findings relating to gender-based violence.

The successful candidate may also be required to demonstrate that they meet the “fit and proper person” criteria as required under applicable legislation and regulatory frameworks (including ASQA requirements where relevant).

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At CQUniversity, inclusivity is at the heart of who we are. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered to succeed regardless of background or ability.

We advance reconciliation through our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), First Nations Workforce Strategy and our First Nations Cultural Competency Framework, strengthening opportunities for First Nations peoples and embedding cultural respect across our organisation. 

Through our Disability-Informed Action Plan, we continue to enhance accessibility and inclusion across our University. As a recognised member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, we actively promote awareness and understanding of non-visible disabilities, helping to ensure everyone can bring their whole selves to work and thrive.

CQUniversity is also committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive recruitment and selection process. The University will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment, selection, appointment and onboarding process to ensure people with disability can participate on an equal basis with others.

Apply today for a career that changes lives

Applications Close: 11:59pm, Sunday, 23 August 2026

 Job Requisition ID: 7403

Contact Details: 

Mellisa Taggart

(07) 4940 3271

m.taggart@cqu.edu.au

When submitting your application, please include: Your Current CV or Resume, and a 1-2 page Cover Letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience and suitability for the position.

Work Rights: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold the full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this appointment.

CQUniversity is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. CQUniversity’s domestic and international student graduates with post-study work rights are encouraged to apply. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. We value the knowledge, lived experience and cultural perspectives First Nations peoples bring to our University community and are committed to providing a culturally safe and supportive recruitment experience.

*Pro-rata for part-time employees

^Appointment to this position will be made in accordance with the provisions and conditions as outlined at Clause 8.5 Funding Contingent Continuing Roles of the CQUniversity Enterprise Agreement and continuation of the position is contingent upon identifiable external funding.