AN AUSTRALIA WIDE COMPARISON OF
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS / COUNSELLORS / GUIDANCE
OFFICERS
2013
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
as per ACT Education & Training Directorate (ETD)
Title
School Psychologist and Senior School Psychologist.
Entry Requirements
Employment as a School Psychologist requires eligibility for registration as a psychologist with
the Psychology Board of Australia. The ETD employs psychologists both with and without
teacher training. Induction and continual in-service training is provided to new staff.
Pre-Service Training
There are no training courses that are currently available outside ETD’s on-the-job training.
Professional Learning Offered by Employer
Regular training opportunities are offered by the counselling section of the ETD. In addition, the
recent EBA negotiated an allowance of $8,000 to finance additional expenses associated with
registration and CPD costs.
Location
School Psychologists are based in schools at college, high school and/or primary levels, as well
as in early childhood sector. Senior Psychologists have a school component and an office
component to their duties.
Tenure
Depending on personal circumstances, School Psychologists can be employed as permanent
officers, permanent part-time officers, or otherwise on a time-limited contract basis.
Total Establishment
One Manager, one Assistant Manager, eight Senior Psychologists and 42.5-full-time-equivalent
positions for School Psychologists.
Ratio by numbers of students serviced
Approximately 1:850.
Salary
With the implementation of the recent EBA, School Psychologists at the top of the scale
currently receive $86,881 (with a range dependent on years of service) and a starting salary
from $58,041. This will increase under the current agreement by a further 7% by April 2014.
Senior School Psychologists receive $100,271. The maximum salaries for both Level One and
Level Two officers will rise to $90,388 and $104,319 by April 2014. Psychologists and teachers
1
work from the same scale, and movement along this range is dependent on annual review.
School Psychologists/Senior Psychologists also receive an extra $8,000 per annum to meet
professional development and registration expenses.
Conditions
School Psychologists and Senior Psychologists work school hours and conditions.
Supervision Structure
School Psychologists receive administrative and professional supervision from a Senior
Psychologist in their network, and this includes observed practice. Senior Psychologists receive
supervision from the Assistant Manager. Provisional Psychologists are supervised by Senior
Psychologists who have all received supervision training.
2
NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS (Not updated)
Title
School Psychologist, Senior School Psychologist, School Counsellors
Entry requirements
School Psychologists: A teaching credential and at least 2 years of successful teaching
experience; a four year Psychology degree; registration with the Psychologists’
Registration Board of the NT.
For School Counsellors: A qualification sufficient for registration with the ACA, the
PsyBA, ASWA, etc.
Pre-Service Training
Nothing specific., Professional Learning Offered by Employer.
Location
School Counsellor positions are school based.
Tenure
School Psychologist: All positions are now on contract. Some people hold permanent
positions from previous employment conditions. School Counsellors: Contract, usually
for 3 years but negotiable within a 3 year period.
Total Establishment
19 School Counsellors, 2 Senior. School Psychologists, 8 School Psychologists
(However, rarely are all positions filled)
Ratio by Numbers of Students Serviced
Approximately 1:2500 when all positions are full
Salary
School Counsellor: up to $71.933
School Psychologist: $77,584
Snr School Psych.: $81.204
Conditions
Public sector administrative hours and conditions apply.
Supervision Structure
No formal supervision structure. Snr School Psychologists have some informal
supervisory responsibilities.
Comments
A major challenge exists for the NT in attracting and retaining suitably qualified staff
who have to be sourced from interstate as NT tertiary institutions do not offer training at
the required level.
3
NEW SOUTH WALES GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS
Title
School Counsellor (SC), District Guidance Officer (DGO), Principal Education Officer
(PEO)
Entry Requirements
Teaching Qualifications and successful teaching experience, A degree with a major in psychology,
Post graduate qualifications in school psychology/school counselling sufficient for eligibility for
provisional registration, registration as a psychologist (currently desirable but not required), personal
suitability as demonstrated at interview.
Pre-Service Training
Approximately 40-50 suitably qualified teachers are sponsored each year by DEC to completed post
graduate qualifications in school counselling offered at the University of Wollongong, preparing
school counsellors for urban and rural positions. A Masters of Teaching (School Counselling)
program is offered at the University of Sydney, with between 30 and 40 students across the two
years.
Professional Learning Offered by Employer
Regular training & development opportunities are offered by both State & Regional Offices.
Counsellors and DGOs are able to access some school professional learning funds to attend
appropriate programs.
Location
School Counsellors and DGOs are school-based and have teacher hours and conditions. PEOs are
non-school based, and have administrative hours and conditions.
Tenure
Permanent
Total Establishment
678 Counsellors 113 DGOs,9 PEOs (i.e. 1 per region across the state)
Ratio by Numbers of Students Serviced
Counsellors provide service to a district of schools, usually a high school and feeder primary
schools. The average ratio of counsellors to students is 1 SC: 1,050 students.
Salary
S C: up to $89.000(approx.)
DGO: up to $102,000 (approx.)
Conditions:
School conditions, as relate to teaching awards.
Supervision Structure
SCs and DGOs receive administrative supervision from the base school principal. School
counsellors receive professional supervision/ support from their DGOs. All DGOs in a region receive
professional supervision/support from a PEO.
4
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS
Title
Guidance Officer and Senior Guidance Officer
Entry Requirements
Full registration or eligibility for full registration as a teacher in Queensland, plus,
A Minimum of 2 years full time, supervised experience working with children and/or
young people in an education, child protection or counselling environment ,
And one of the following:
One year (minimum) full time (or part-time equivalent) coursework Masters, majoring on
guidance and counselling, or,
Full registration as a psychologist through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation
Agency (AHPRA) Psychology Board or a fourth year qualification in psychology that will
enable general registration as a psychologist through the AHPRA Psychology Board
following completion of the board approved internship or accredited sequence of study
Professional Learning Offered by Employer
All guidance officers are required to participate in regular individual or group
supervision sessions provided by a Senior Guidance Officer
Guidance Officers will be actively supported as an individual and will have access to a
range of flexible work options, an employee assistance program and learning and
development opportunities.
Location
The department is committed to the provision of a quality educational opportunities to
all Queenslanders, in rural, urban and remote areas of the state. To assist in this, the
department has statewide transfer guidelines and it is a requirement of permanent
employment that employees may be required to serve anywhere in the state.
The department refers that school based classified officers serve a minimum of two (2)
years from the date of appointment to the position and location
Guidance Officers are appointed to a region. School based work locations will be
negotiated with a Senior Guidance Officer prior to commencement of each school year.
Guidance Officers are able to indicate a preference for working in the primary or
secondary school sector
Tenure
A range of employment types exist including permanent, temporary, full-time and parttime.
Total Establishment
The number of Guidance and Senior Guidance Officer positions varies across the state
and region by region.
Ratio by Numbers of Students Serviced
The ratio of students to Guidance Officers varies across the state and region by region
Salary
Stream 2/paypoint 21-33 (Teachers’ Award State)
5
Conditions
School hours and school holidays apply to Guidance Officer positions
Supervision Structure
All guidance officers are required to participate in regular individual or group
supervision sessions provided by a Senior Guidance Officer
Requirements
As the Guidance Officer you will:
Advocate, provide counselling, psycho-educational assessment and/or individual
student support, recommendations and advice to students, teachers and parents
concerning educational, behavioural, career development, mental health and family
issues.
Provide professional expertise, leadership and support to school communities and
networks in the development and implementation of plans, programs, and procedures
to assist students in achieving positive educational, developmental and lifelong learning
outcomes.
Collaboratively negotiate, develop and implement programs for students that have a
focus on preventative and early intervention strategies; are responsive to identified
personal, social, emotional and educational needs; and aim to foster resilience and
personal development
Guidance Officers contribute towards, and are accountable for the provision of a
comprehensive student support program that is responsive to the identified and
changing needs of students. The program will be negotiated with the lien manager,
usually the school principal. Guidance Officer are required to provide this service in
collaboration with other school based personal and external agencies in a variety of
educational contexts, including schools and alternative educational programs
6
QUEENSLAND CATHOLIC EDUCATION SCHOOLS
Title
Until recently, most used ‘School Counsellor’; however, within BCE ‘Guidance
Counsellor’ is now the designated title.
Entry Requirements
The Teacher’s Award has an addendum which specifies mandatory requirement for
appointment to School Counsellor positions which included a minimum (9 years)
teaching (presumably pre-service training years). A Master’s degree in guidance and
counselling is required as is eligibility for ordinary membership in QGCA.
As a minimum requirement, either a 4+2 or 5+1 (i.e., 4 or 5 year’s university study in an
approved psychology sequence + 1 or 2 year’s supervised practice) are required by
psychologists seeking full registration within the APS. Teachers seeking APS
membership are required to complete an approved post-graduate qualification in
psychology.
Registered psychologists without teacher training are employed by BCE and some
Independent schools but under the School Officer’s Award with different conditions and
salary. Within BCE, preference is given to employing psychologists for GC positions
who have MPsych (Educational & Developmental) qualifications.
Pre-Service Training
As with Ed. Qld. An entitlement covered by the Teacher’s Award
Professional Learning Offered by Employer
BCE: Until recently, 10 days were set aside for professional development. This has
recently been reduced to 4 days at which attendance is mandatory. Attendance at the
Catholic School Counsellors’ Conference is optional.
Location
In secondary and P-12 BCE schools, GCs are located on-site. In comparison, BCE
primary GCs work between a cluster of 2 or more schools. One of the schools in this
cluster serves as the base office for the GC.
Tenure As with Education Queensland.
GCs in BCE schools cannot be transferred between schools: those seeking a position
at another school must apply for and be interviewed for the advertised position.
Total Establishment 100-150 (est.)
Ratio by Numbers of Students Serviced
1 EFT position equates to 350-500 students at secondary level. Over 900 students –
additional positions appointed. Varies in primary schools. One person may also serve
across a cluster of schools.
Salary Has parity with the state system
Conditions
Guidance Counsellors work normal school hours; however, psychologists without a
teaching qualification are employed under the School Officer’s award and may be
7
required to work 40 hours/48 weeks. (However, the latter is generally relaxed). The
School Officer’s Award may be less in salary.
Supervision Structure
Within BCE schools, 3 days per term are mandated to be provided for supervision: two
of these are two-hour group supervision sessions with peers and their Education
Officer—Counsellor Supervision‘; and the other involves a 2-hour face-to-face private
session with their EOCS
8
SOUTH AUSTRALIA GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS
Title Psychologist Educational Services - work in schools and preschools.
Entry Requirements
1. Provisional Psychologist (Allied Health Professional level 2 - AHP2)* - eligibility for provisional
registration as a psychologist and must have experience in teaching children and/or students
and must have a sound knowledge of curriculum, teaching and learning practices as applied in
educational settings
2. Psychologist AHP2- generally registered psychologist
3. Psychologist – Educational Services AHP3 generally registered psychologist with experience
working as a psychologist in an educational setting
*Professionals in the public service are classified from AHP 1- 6, there are only AHP 2 – 4 in DECD
Pre-Service Training
Eligibility requirements as above
Professional Learning Offered by Employer
Psychology specific and agency Induction for all new recruits
Psychologists have
 regular statewide PD program of 1 day a term
 regional PD events
 interest groups
 additional optional and agency run PD events
(minimal subsidy for attendance at outside PD and conferences)
Supervision towards registration for provisional psychologists
On the job training for AHP2 registered psychologists
Location
Based in regional offices and work within multidisciplinary teams.
A small number of state office based specialist positions.
Public Sector Act employment and conditions.
Tenure
Permanent or temporary
Total Establishment
52.3 FTE based in regions
3.6 FTE in specialist positions
Ratio by Numbers of Students Serviced
Psychologist to student ratio - average is1:3500
Salary 2013112
AHP 2 - $72,201 - $83,601
APH 3 - $86,135 - $91,835
AHP 4 - $95,001 - $103,867 (one state-wide policy and leadership position, one statewide specialist
working with new arrivals and EALD students, and one part time statewide position for oversight of
4+2 supervision programs)
Progression in classification from AHP2 to AHP3 is through a management supported application
and work report submitted to a moderation panel
Conditions
9
Public Service hours and conditions - 37.5 hour week
20 days recreation leave a year
Access to Flexible work options
Supervision Structure
No formal professional supervision structure, except for provisional registration requirements.
Comments
Operate within multidisciplinary teams based in regions.
Recruitment and retention of staff remains a challenge with unfilled positions, particularly in the
country.
Limited professional support, particularly in the country.
Limited career and no formal supervision structure within school psychology work. (except for 4+2
and endorsement)
One professional leadership position exists within the bureaucracy; poor salary relativity compared
to teachers given that psychologists often have dual qualifications and they do not have school
holidays.
DECD use of outsource psychology for intellectual assessment.
DECD also employs ‘school counsellors’ in many primary and all secondary schools. These
positions are teacher positions, and there is no formal requirement for formal training or
qualifications in counselling or psychology.
The Catholic Education Office in S.A. buys in psychology services.
The Independent schools have psychologists and counsellors employed under various conditions
and some small independent schools get subsidised outsourcing through the Association of
Independent Schools SA.
TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS
10
Title
School Psychologist/Senior School Psychologist
Entry Requirements
1. Registered Psychologist and a preference for teacher qualification also.
2. School Psychologists must have teacher qualifications to be promoted to Senior
School Psychologist,
Pre-Service Training
1. For permanent employees, at least a four year degree in psychology, including
honours plus registration as a psychologist.
2. 2 For non-permanent employees, an M Psychology in addition to registration as a
psychologist.
Professional Learning Offered by Employer
Non specific professional learning is offered, but psychologists can attend general
teacher professional development activities. The AEU have offered 2 days of PL a year
for school psychologists since 2007. PL budget constraints mean that school
psychologists often pay for their own PL, or seek free or reduced rates for PL.
Location
School based: Teacher award and conditions apply.
Tenure
Permanent and temporary.
Total Establishment
50 school psychologists
8 senior school psychologists
Ratio by Numbers of Students Serviced
76,000 students, which makes the psychologist student ratio approximately 1 :1,600
(when all positions are filled)
Salary
School Psychologist Band 1 Level 4 $58,716.00 (beginning wage)
School Psychologist Band 1 Level 12 $85,868.00 (top of the range for school
psychologists
Senior School Psychologist $102,052.00
Conditions
Teacher award and conditions
Supervision Structure
Senior school psychologists are line managers to school psychologists. Managers of
school support are line managers of senior psychologists.
Comments
The Tasmanian Department of Education has undergone structural changes and now
operates with three Learning Services (geographically determined). Two Learning
11
Services have two senior psychologists attached and the largest Learning Service has
four senior school psychologists attached. School Psychologists also service schools.
There is a limited career path for School Psychologists as there are only eight
promotable positions in the state.
12
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS
Title
Psychologist - Student Support Services Officer
Entry Requirements
Registration with Psychologists Registration Board (Vic)
Pre-Service Training
As required by Psychologists’ Registration Board
Professional Learning Offered by Employer
Arrangements are made at a local Network level – employers and managers are provided with
Registration requirements by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Location
Psychologists are employed by Principal Networks (based primarily on local government areas) as
part of a Student Support Services Team comprised of a locally determined mix of Psychologists,
Social Workers, Speech Pathologists and other Allied Health professionals. Teams are based in a
single office and travel to schools daily.
Tenure
Employment is on an ongoing or contractual basis in line with Department of Education and Early
Childhood Development policies. The department also outsources some Program for Students with
Disability assessments to a private company following a tender process.
Total Establishment
These figures are not available. Funding at the network level is not identified for specific professions
and calculated according to a funding amount rather than a ratio. Networks determine the mix of
professions employed within the salary allocation.
Ratio by Numbers of Students Serviced
Not available
Salary
Following the implementation of a restructure in mid-2012 Student Support Services staff, including
psychologists may be employed under the Victorian Public Service Agreement (DEECD Allied
Health) or the Victorian Government Schools – School Services Officers Agreement 2004.
Appointments prior to June 30, 2012 (grandfathered)
AH3 $69 242 to $78 563, or Allied Health Grade 4 - AH4$79 894 to $96 666.
Appointments from July 1. 2012
Education Support Class Level 1 Range 3 ($54 030 - $65 503)*
Education Support Class Level 1 Range 4 ($71 558 - $84375)*
*see note on conditions below
Conditions
VPS appointments are made on 52/52 model with four weeks paid leave per year. Additionally
flexible work arrangements may be accessed.
Education Support Class standard model of employment is for 20 days of annual leave + 30 days of
additional leave and is reflected in the salaries above. Positions may be advertised that require
attendance at some or all of the additional 30 days of leave and this leave is ‘purchased back’
resulting in an increase in annual salary.
13
VICTORIAN NON-GOVERNMENT AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Title
Counsellor, educational psychologists, social workers
Entry Requirements
No uniform qualifications
Pre-Service Training
No uniform requirement
Professional Learning Offered by Employer
No uniform system, many schools are members of the Careers and Counselling association which
provides PD for workers in private schools AISV, private schools association also provides some
PD. Workers usually have a PD allowance.
Location
School
Tenure
Permanent, contracted for time period or outsourced
Total Establishment
Varies
Conditions
School conditions
Supervision Structure
Supervision may be expected and provided within negotiated work location arrangements.
14
WESTERN AUSTRALIA GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS
Title
School Psychologist, Senior School Psychologist. Advanced Skills School Psychologist
(new), Lead School Psychologist (new).
Entry Requirements
A 4-year psychology degree plus a teaching qualification (eg Bachelor of Education or
Graduate Diploma of Education).Eligibility for registration with the Psychology Board of
Australia (PsyBA).
Pre-Service Training
Psychology degree offered at all W.A. universities. Graduate Diploma in Education
(School Psychology) offered only at the University of Western Australia (UWA),
however teaching qualifications majoring in other areas are equally recognised. School
Psychology practicums are also offered in this course.
Professional Learning Offered by Employer
AN induction program is offered to newly appointed school psychologists on
commencement and during first 2 to 3 years of service including suicide prevention,
critical incident response,
relevant policies and procedures.
Location
School psychologists are located in a “host school” within Regions across WA and are
allocated a number of contact schools.
Tenure
Tenure can be permanent or fixed-term. Permanency is generally gained following 3
years of satisfactory service in a country location. However Public Independent Schools
(including in the metro regions) can now advertise and employ a School Psychologist
on a permanent basis.
Ratio by Numbers of Students Serviced
Due to an increase of School Psychologists (60 FTE), the ratio has improved to less
than 1:1500. This can be significantly lower in schools identified as having high needs
such as level of learning disabilities, socio-economic, distance/ remoteness factors and
school purchased time.
Salary (2013)
School Psychologist: $67,671 - $102,939. Senior School Psychologist: $111,187$113,653.
Lead School Psychologist: $122,744
Conditions
15
School Psychologists are employed under the School Education Act. Required to work
7.5 hours/day during normal teaching periods and 4 weeks per year when teachers are
on vacation. This amounts to 8 weeks’ leave.
Supervision Structure
Line management is provided by the Principal of the “host” school and professional
leadership is provided by Lead School Psychologists in the region. Strategic statewide
leadership is provided by the Manager, School Psychology Service and two Manager
Statewide Services (North & South). Supervision for Psychologists’ registration is
provide by Lead School Psychologists and Senior School Psychologists.
16
WESTERN AUSTRALIA NON GOVERNMENT /INDEPENDENT
SCHOOLS
Title
Non Government Schools Psychology Service (available to all Catholic and
independent primary schools and high schools - though not all choose to use the
service): Psychologist, Senior Psychologist. Independent Schools: School Psychologist,
School Counsellor.
Entry Requirements
As for government schools, however some independent schools do not require a
teaching qualification.
Pre-Service Training
Similar to government schools school psychologists
Location
Non Government Schools Psychology Service: psychologists based at one of four
metro office locations. One psychologist allocated to each of the following country
locations: Broome, Kalgoorlie and Albany, with two based in Bunbury. Independent
Schools: psychologists based at their contact school.
Tenure
Non-Government School Psychology Services: Short term or 5 year contract.
Independent schools: Permanent or contract.
17
APPENDIX TABLE SUMMARY
Table 1
State or Territory
ACT
SA
NSW
NT
Queensland
Tasmania
Victoria
WA
Approx Total Numbers of School Psychologists/ Counsellors/ Guidance Officers working in
Government Schools
42.5 School Psychologists, 8 Senior Psychologists, 1 Assistant Manager, 1 Manager
56
678 counsellors, 113 DGOs, 4 PEOs across the state
Varies, according to region.
50
Unknown – data not collated by the department
Approx 300 school psychologists
Table 2
State or Territory
ACT
Qualifications
Provisional or Unconditional General Registration with the PsyBA
SA
4 year psychology degree plus registration as a psychologist, or provisional registration with PsyBA
plus experience working in education; senior positions require registration and experience working in
education settings
Teaching Degree and a 4 year Psychology Degree or Post Grad in Psychology and post grad
qualifications in School Counselling. Eligible for registration with PsyBA, AHPRA.
NSW
NT
Queensland
Tasmania
State Ed: Full registration as a teacher plus a minimum of 2 years full time supervised experience
working with children and a master majoring in guidance and counselling or full registration as a
psychologist
4 year Psychology degree plus registration as a Psychologist. Senior School Psychologists must also
have teacher qualifications.
18
Victoria
WA
Psychology Qualification (4 year or Masters) and full Registration with
4 year Psychology degree and a teaching qualification. Eligible for provisional registration with PsyBA,
AHPRA.
Table 3
State or Territory
ACT
Employment Arrangements and Service Delivery Structure
F/T, P/T, permanent or contract. School based with teacher conditions.
SA
NSW
NT
Queensland
F/T, P/T, permanent or contract. Located in Regional Offices
Permanent, Part-time and casual.
Tasmania
Victoria
WA
A range of employment types including permanent, temporary, full-time and part-time.
Guidance Officers: Teacher award State with school conditions.
Senior Guidance Officer: Teacher award state with public service conditions
F/T, P/T, permanent or contract. Located in schools, with a base in one school
Full-time or Part-time on an ongoing or contract basis. Employed under Victorian Public Service
(grandfathered) or Education Support Agreements. Employment is via School Networks, services
delivered in schools. Co-location bases in school settings within a multidisciplinary team in most
networks. Service delivery arrangements change from network to network
F/T, P/T permanent or fixed term. Located in schools. Secondary schools - provision of office in the
school. Primary schools –office accommodation in one of the schools
Table 4
State or Territory
ACT
Salaries and Professional Career Pathways (2013)
School Psychologists’ salary up to approximately $93 000. Senior Psychologists’ salary up to
approximately $105, 000.
SA
AHP 2 - $72,201 - $83,601 (includes provisional)
APH 3 - $86,135 - $91,835
AHP 4 - $95,001 - $103,867 (one state-wide policy and leadership position, one statewide specialist working with new
arrivals and EALD students, and one part time statewide position for oversight of 4+2 supervision programs)
19
NSW
NT
Queensland
Tasmania
Victoria
WA
School Counsellors up to $89, 000
DGOs $102 000
Guidance Officer: 96,199-101,052
Senior Guidance Officer: 100,822-106,147
School Psychologists: $58,716 – $85,868
Senior School Psychologists: $102,052
Appointments prior to June 30, 2012 (grandfathered)
AH3 $69 242 to $78 563, or Allied Health Grade 4 - AH4$79 894 to $96 666.
Appointments from July 1. 2012
Education Support Class Level 1 Range 3 ($54 030 - $65 503)*
Education Support Class Level 1 Range 4 ($71 558 - $84375)*
*see note on conditions in full document
School Psychologists rangeSenior School Psychologists rangeLead School Psychologists rangeManager School Psychologist L8 range -
Table 5
State or Territory
ACT
SA
NSW
NT
Queensland
Tasmania
Professional Development and Professional Supervision
No formal professional supervision structure, except for provisional registration requirements.
Four statewide days per year provided for psychology PD and departmental management issues,
limited funding for other PD activities
Regular Professional Development provided by both State and Regional offices. Accesses to some PD
through school funds.
All guidance officers are required to participate in regular individual or group supervision with a senior
guid
Australian Education Union provide an annual 2 day conference for school psychologists. School
psychologists attend other PD as appropriate. Approximately $300 FTE for PD
20
Victoria
WA
Arrangements are made at a local Network level – employers and managers are provided with
Registration requirements by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
A two year induction program is provided for new graduates, .05 FTE made available for the supervisor
and supervisee for registration; central and regional PD is made available for all school psychologists,
as well as $500 access annually for PD.
Table 6
State or Territory
ACT
SA
NSW
NT
Queensland
Tasmania
Victoria
Main Professional Services Deployment
Individual cases in the areas of learning, disabilities, mental health, wellbeing, behaviour, social and
emotional development, funding and special facility placements. Includes assessments, consultation to
school communities, and limited counselling. Limited whole school and targeted groups intervention
Counselling, assessment (cognitive, behaviour, learning disability, funding requirements) providing
staff, responding to critical incidents, group programs, management of complex cases.
Provide counselling, psychoeducational assessment and/or individual student support,
recommendations and advice to students, teachers and parents concerning educational, behavioural,
career development, mental health and family issues.
Counselling, providing PD to teachers, responding to critical incidents, assessment (cognitive,
behaviour, learning disability, funding requirements)
Services provided by psychologists may include (but are not limited to): conducting individual assessments and reports,
providing individual counseling and support, group interventions or family engagement related to educational outcomes for
students, supporting teachers by providing advice about relevant teaching and learning strategies, assisting teachers with
program development and implementation, providing support and advice about the requirements of the Program for
Students with Disabilities including acting as a DEECD nominee if required, providing professional learning to teachers and
school communities, providing advice to schools on wellbeing and engagement policies, liaising with community service
organisations, DHS, hospitals, specialist programs and other professionals, emergency management and attending critical
incidents in schools where appropriate, providing case support, assistance and peer supervision to other psychologists and
Student Support Services Officers.
21
WA
Whole school, targeted groups and individual cases in the areas of learning, disabilities, mental health,
wellbeing, social and emotional development and pastoral care. Includes assessments, counselling and
consultation to school communities.
22