Rural and remote benefits and incentives
There are a range of great benefits and incentives available for both school counsellors and school psychologists in rural and remote NSW public schools.
School counsellors
Learn about the benefits and incentives for school counsellors on the Teach NSW website.
School psychologists
Permanent school psychologists working in a substantive school counselling service position in specified 6- and 8-transfer point rural and remote incentive schools and 4-, 6- and 8-transfer point Connected Communities schools may be eligible to receive Rural and Remote School Psychologist Incentives. School counsellors may be eligible for the Rural Teacher Incentive.
The Rural and Remote School Psychologist Incentive recognises the value of the schools counselling service to students in rural and remote areas.
The incentive is between $20,000 to $30,000 (gross) each year, depending on the remoteness of the school, school type and transfer points as shown below (figures correct as of 23 August 2021):
| School Types | Incentive Amount | Rental Subsidy | Incentive Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 point Connected Communities Rural and Remote Incentive school | $30,000 p.a. | 90% | Cash only, or mix of cash and rental subsidy |
| 8 point Rural and Remote Incentive school | $25,000 p.a. | 90% | |
| 6 point Connected Communities Rural and Remote Incentive school | $25,000 p.a. | 70% | |
| 6 point Rural and Remote Incentive school | $20,000 p.a. | 70% | |
| 4 point Connected Communities Rural and Remote Incentive School | $20,000 p.a. | 50% | |
| 4 point Rural and Remote Incentive School | N/A | 50% | Rental Subsidy |
Incentives are paid one term in arrears as cash paid into a nominated account minus any rental subsidy amount. Payments will be paid four times a year.
School psychologists may:
- receive the whole value of the incentive as a salaried amount (e.g. school psychologists who own their own home or who do not receive a rental subsidy)
- also choose to take advantage of salary sacrifice options, including superannuation, novated car leases, portable electronic devices, work-related expenses such as self-education, or tax and financial advice.
School psychologists who receive a rental subsidy from the department will have the value of the rental subsidy taken from their Incentive and will receive any remaining Incentive as a salaried amount.
Enquiries
If you would like further details about a career in the school counselling service, please contact counselling.allocation@det.nsw.edu.au.