Guidance Officers working in State High Schools are qualified teachers who have undertaken further tertiary studies in a Masters of Educational Studies and specific training in guidance, counseling and psychology.

The guidance program is strongly linked to other student support programs within the Student Services Department in collaboration with the Youth Health Nurse, Chaplain and Vocational Education Officer.

The Guidance Officer provides direct service to students (individuals and groups) who either refer themselves or are referred by other sources (parents/caregivers, teachers and others). The Guidance Officer is able to provide private counseling and advice, information and other sources connected with careers, personal development and health and welfare issues.

Although Guidance Officers are a member of the school staff, the are often able to extend beyond the teacher role to manage sensitive situations in a confidential environment, and to link with and refer on to community agencies. Networking beyond the school site is particularly helpful in cases of child protection, critical incidents, substance abuse and mental health issues.

Areas of Operation

1. Management

The Guidance Officer functions as a key member of the Student Services Team as is responsible for managing the support services available to students in collaboration with the Youth Health Nurse and the Chaplain. The Guidance Officer is also a member of the School Management Team and links closely with the Head of Department (Student Services).

2. Careers

The Guidance Officer provides counseling, advice and information to various members of thee school community in relation to pathways, networks and institutions involved in career development and further education and training. Mountain Creek State High School has a comprehensive bank of resources that members of the school community are able to access in relation to career investigation and planning.

The Guidance Officer facilitates career markets, and representative guest speakers from various institutions and organizations within the community. Students are kept up to date through newsletters, student notices and assemblies in career information (Open days and scholarships on offer at various institutions).

3. Curriculum

The Guidance Officer facilitates curriculum development (such as career education and life skills) and staff training and development, as well as assisting various members of the school community with student course choices and changes . The Guidance Officer often assists enrolment and departure of students, especially in critical or complex cases.

4. Behaviour

The Guidance Officer provides counseling and guidance support for clients involved in situations of harm or hurt, such as abuse, intimidation, bullying and harassment. In addition the Guidance Officer maybe involved in formulating individual student management t plans for those students deemed to be "at risk".

5. Personal

The Guidance Officer supports the social and emotional development of groups and individuals in the school community, extending into health and welfare issues. Counseling and other helping strategies are used both in pro-active and reactive situations.

The Youth Health Nurse and Chaplain as professional helpers with the school are consulted and or referred to in the counseling process. In addition, services provided by external agencies are utilized to support the needs of certain students.

6. Special Education

The Guidance Officer provides team consultancy support to special education program assessments, ascertainment and placements, as well as a coordinating role in terms of reporting, filing and referral procedures. In particular cases, the Guidance Officer performs psychoeducational assessments.

Accessing Services

To access services provided by the Guidance Officer appointments may be made directly through the School Administration office or by phoning on (07) 5457 8304