Head of Wellbeing Services

About this Opportunity

• Continuing, Full-Time
• Student Success Division
• CQUniversity Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Sydney, or Melbourne with working from home arrangements negotiable (Relocation support available)
• Attractive remuneration package

Join an organisation with an unbreakable belief that quality education, training and research should be available to everyone – regardless of background, location or life circumstances.

Working at CQUniversity

CQUniversity is seeking an exceptional leader to guide the delivery of high‑quality, trauma‑informed, culturally safe wellbeing services for our diverse student community. As the Head of Wellbeing Services, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our whole‑of‑university commitment to student safety, inclusion, and success.

This senior position oversees clinical governance, service quality, and the coordinated delivery of Counselling, Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB), Clinical Intake, and Accessibility and Equity services. The role works closely alongside the Safer Communities Unit and the shared response and prevention of gender-based violence, racism, and discrimination. You will oversee systems, policies and compliance that support safe, consistent responses to risk, acute presentations and complex student matters, while keeping practices aligned with evolving professional and regulatory standards. You’ll also provide therapeutic supervision to counselling staff and drive continuous improvement, strengthening evidence‑informed practice and building capability across the directorate.

This is a highly influential position requiring strong judgement, advanced clinical expertise, and the ability to advocate confidently with senior stakeholders. If you’re a forward‑thinking leader committed to lifting the standard of student wellbeing, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a supportive, mission‑driven leadership team.

Be Rewarded

• 17% superannuation (with the choice to join an award-winning superfund) 
• 5.4 weeks annual leave (incl. 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

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant clinical discipline (e.g., counselling, psychology, social work, or mental health) with significant relevant work experience.
• Expert knowledge of wellbeing issues relating to relating to university students, including evidence based and trauma informed clinical practice, equity and inclusion, psychosocial safety, psychosocial practice models and systemic work practices.
• Detailed understanding of frameworks and strategies for health promotion, prevention and wellbeing which are related to University issues and respond to drivers affecting student performance, engagement and retention.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to consult effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders and support organisational approaches to staff.
• Strong leadership experience and understanding of psychological and psychosocial safety frameworks.
• Blue Card and current Registration with AHPRA, AASW or ACA.

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.

Position Description

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

Apply today for a career that changes lives

Applications Close: 11:59pm, Sunday, 30 August 2026 

  
Job Requisition ID: 7491

Contact Details: 

Caitlin Marshall

(02) 8295 5825

c.f.marshall@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. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and CQUniversity’s domestic and international student graduates with post-study work rights are encouraged to apply.

#SMMIDSNR ||#LI-CP1 ||#LI-Onsite ||Keywords: Accessibility | Clinical Governance | Clinical Leadership | Clinical Supervision | Complex Case Management | Cultural Safety | Critical Incident Response | Disability Inclusion | Evidence-Informed Practice | Frontline Wellbeing | Higher Education Wellbeing | Legislative Compliance | Mental Health Leaderships | Service Quality Improvement | Stakeholder Engagement | Student Mental Health | Trauma-Informed Practice | Wellbeing Strategy | Workforce Capability | University Life |