School Counsellor
Job Summary
The School Counsellor plays a pivotal role in supporting student social-emotional wellbeing and mental health across the school. The position involves collaborating with academic staff and families to implement preventative measures and provide individual or group counselling. The role focuses on fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for the entire school community.
Responsibilities
- Provide individual and group student counselling
- Collaborate with staff and families on student wellbeing
- Lead crisis management and preventative safeguarding
- Develop and facilitate wellbeing workshops and programs
- Maintain confidential student records and case management
Required Skills
- Advanced degree in Counselling, Psychology, or Social Work
- Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience
- Expertise in therapeutic models (CBT, ACT, etc.)
- Strong crisis management and interpersonal skills
- Deep understanding of child protection and safeguarding
Job Details
Responsibilities
- Closely collaborate on support for students with the department Director/s and middle managers as appropriate.
- Support Directors in the development of student wellbeing initiatives.
- Support leadership on crisis management across a range of scenarios from individual to whole school.
- Provide individual and small group counselling services using evidence-based approaches for students with social-emotional, behavioural and/or academic concerns.
- Offer consultations ensuring confidentiality and discretion, within the boundaries of mandatory reporting guidelines.
- Lead and facilitate student support meetings to problem solve and develop personalised interventions.
- Coordinate services with other professionals and/or agencies to address student needs.
- Lead prevention and awareness lessons, classes and workshops to support social-emotional learning.
- Offer consultation to teachers, parents, and service providers to promote student wellbeing.
- Provide information sessions for parents and training for teachers regarding student support.
- Participate in and organise school-wide program development to promote social-emotional wellbeing.
- Incorporate innovative counselling approaches and promote data-driven, evidence-based practices.
- Support teachers in creating behavior management and positive self-regulation strategies.
- Provide brief consultations for staff members and maintain confidential case records.
- Assist in the development and revision of student wellbeing policies and forms.
- Maintain professional credentials and adhere to ethical standards, laws, and the school’s code of conduct.
- Collaborate with the Designated Safeguarding Lead to develop and implement Student Wellbeing Support plans.
- Coordinate the CP curriculum for Primary and Secondary levels.
- Engage in continuing professional development, specifically regarding safeguarding and child protection.
Knowledge and Experience
- Advanced degree in School Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of successful professional experience working with children or young people in educational, social work, clinical, or counselling environments.
- Proficiency in using computers and relevant technology.
- Preferred: Experience in child protection/safeguarding and familiarity with therapeutic models (CBT, ACT, DBT, Play Based Therapy, Solutions Focused Brief Therapy).
Technical and Soft Skills
- Strong interpersonal communication and professional collaboration skills.
- Positive, enthusiastic, patient, and observant personality.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Results-driven with strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Adaptable with a flexible mindset and a proactive approach to problem-solving.