School Counsellor
Job Description
- Ensuring that all staff receive the necessary level of training and support with regards to common student wellbeing issues
- Providing a clear channel for parent queries and concerns and supporting parents with advice and introductions to external providers where appropriate
- Contributing to regular discussion forums on topics of interest to parents
- Playing a full part in all Taaleem Job-a-Like meetings
- Providing appropriate reports on student issues to Grade Level Leaders and the Secondary Leadership Team
- Building trusting relationships with external service providers
- Identify specific goals and develop strategies towards achieving these goals.
- Guide teachers and parents in utilizing assessment results to create ILPs (individual learning plans).
- Demonstrate accurate interpretation of assessment data and present this information in a clear and concise manner to parents and the Learning Support Team.
- Conduct formal observations.
- Explain and interpret the statistical concepts used in assessment batteries.
- Guard against over interpretation or other inappropriate use of assessment data and maintain its confidential nature.
- Make recommendations based upon evaluation findings.
- Work within the context of the multi-disciplinary Learning Support Team Meeting to identify and address counselling needs.
- Provide crisis counselling, as needed (e.g. anxiety, grief, trauma, family break-up).
- Assist students in establishing concrete behavioural plans aimed at problem resolution.
- Serve as a student advocate.
- Consult effectively with students, parents, colleagues and other professionals.
- Prior to consultation, gather and prepare the necessary information.
- During consultation, interpret information and communicate ideas effectively.
- Suggest a variety of options or strategies.
- Appreciate alternative opinions and promote a spirit of cooperation.
- Coordinate the development and implementation of the plan of action.
- Encourage feedback and input.
Skills
Education: Certification in Counselling or Psychology, Teaching certification
Experience:
- At least two year’s school-based experience or previous experience working with schools and students in a counseling capacity.
- A degree in education/psychology/counseling.
- A committed and creative individual with excellent organisational skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and able to work effectively with students and staff
Competencies:
- Excellent communication skills including high standards of professionalism in written and spoken English
- Organised and works to deadlines
- Strong IT skills
Attributes:
- Knowledgeable, Reflective, Inquirer, Thinker
- Empathises with values of the school
- Student of learning and leading
- Solutions-focused
- Believes in the potential of all students
- Committed to personal development
- Caring and Open-minded
•Sees leadership as a service to others - Internationally-minded and inter-culturally sensitive
- Sense of humour and humility
- Conscientious
- Motivated by challenge
- Resourceful
- Communicator and Risk Taker
- Communicates effectively to large and small audiences
- Innovative and creative mindset
- Principled and Balanced
- Composed under pressure
- Retains responsibility under pressure
- Resilient when faced with setbacks
- Flexible when conditions change
- Always prioritises the needs of the school
Taaleem is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. At Taaleem, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to various background checks including, receipt of high quality references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks.
