Assistant School Counsellor at St Andrew’s School

Job Description

St Andrew’s, Turi is seeking to appoint an Assistant School Counsellor who will help students discuss their problems, thoughts and feelings in a confidential setting. Reporting to the Whole School Counsellor, this position is responsible for providing individual and group counselling to students with identified concerns and needs including but not limited to receiving student referrals from management,
staff or parents/guardians. The role requires solid knowledge and understanding of counselling theory & practice as well excellent communication skills and a high level of confidentiality. The appointee will be expected to work with the Whole School Coounsellor, the Deputy Head Pastoral to develop a crisis and prevention programme for the department and research on various fields including but not limited to mental health. The Assistant School Counsellor will work closely with the Deputy Heads Pastoral & and the two Heads of School to ensure that students progress reports are communicated to the relevant persons regularly. The Assistant School Counsellor will be have an understanding of the developmental, emotional, social and educational issues of children and young people as well knowledge of the mental health and counselling aspect. Experience in a similar role in an independent education sector and in a children’s counselling centre is an advantage. The Assistant School Counsellor should expect to build non-judgemental relationships with the school community based on trust and respect in order to fulfil the requirements of the position. 

Responsibilities

1. The overarching responsibilities of the Assistant School Counsellor include:
2. Provide individual and group counselling to students with identified concerns and needs.
3. Receive student referrals from management, staff or parents/guardians.
4. Listen to students’ concerns about academic, emotional or social problems.
5. Help students process their problems and plan goals and action.
6. Consult and collaborate with parents/guardians and teachers to support the well-being of students.
7. Assist the Whole School Counsellor in the formulation and reviewing of the appropriate systems, policies and procedures relating to the counselling services and care of students.
8. Organize peer counselling and mental health committee activities.
9. Develop mental health resources and collect and analyse data to develop comprehensive programmes that meet student needs.
10. Participate in continuous professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills.
11. Create and enhance awareness on mental health.

Skills and Attributes

1. A recognized degree in counselling psychology or counselling
2. Solid knowledge and understanding of counselling theory & practice
3. A minimum of 3 years’ experience working with children and young people.
4. Experience of working in a School environment would be desirable but not essential.
5. Should have good communication and writing skills as well as management skills.
6. Should be passionate about working with students and also have the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.