School Counsellor

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 references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification, and police checks, including overseas checks.

Job Purpose:

The School Counsellor supports and empowers the social, emotional, personal and academic growth of all students. The School Counsellor is an advocate for students and operates in a proactive manner, working in partnership with teachers, parents, colleagues and the local and international community, she/he supports students with the resources to access the school curriculum and to achieve academic success and personal wellbeing.

Key Accountabilities:

Communicate, build relationships and inspire confidence in all stakeholders

The Counsellor achieves this through:

• 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

Delivery: Individual Student Planning

In collaboration with teachers and parents, help students establish goals and develop and use planning skills.

• Identify specific goals and develop strategies towards achieving these goals
• Guide teachers and parents in utilising 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

Responsive Services

Counsel individual students and small groups of students on an ‘as needs’ basis

• 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

Implement an effective referral process within the framework of the Learning Support Team

• Determine the need for and make appropriate referrals
• Maintain a current list of referral resources in the local community
• Assist students and parents throughout the referral process
• Collaborate with professional services outside of school and assist with implementing their recommendations, as necessary

Accountability

Provide a comprehensive and balanced guidance program consistent with identified student needs and in collaboration with school staff

• Maintain a database of student consultations
• Conduct needs assessments to determine systemic social and emotional needs and priorities
• Follow priorities established within the counselling program framework and in association with the school curriculum
• Use sound organisational skills to:
  • Set timelines and follow them
  • Operate from a program calendar based upon the academic year and provide workshops to parents, accordingly (e.g. on child development, transition and other relevant topics)
• Implement an effective counselling program evaluation and use this feedback to improve the program
• Explain/promote the philosophy, priorities, and practices of the counselling program

Professional communication and interaction

Demonstrate positive interpersonal relations with students.

• Promote a positive self-image in students.
• Provide a climate of open communication.
• Interact in a mutually respectful and friendly manner, getting to know the students and being available to all students.
• Use discretion in handling confidential information and difficult situations.
• Demonstrate positive interpersonal relations with all school colleagues.
• Work cooperatively with colleagues in planning counselling activities. Share ideas, materials, and methods with other staff members.
• As a core member of the Learning Support Team, collaborate effectively with other multi-disciplinary specialists
• Work cooperatively with the school’s administration to implement policies (e.g. child protection) and regulations for which the school is responsible.
• Contribute, as a member of the whole school counselling team, in the school-wide development of the counselling program.
• Demonstrate positive interpersonal relations with parents/guardians.
• Cooperate with parents in the best interest of the student, providing an open climate of communication.
• Handle expressions of conflict in a constructive manner.

Professional Responsibilities:

Demonstrate a commitment to on-going professional growth.

• Keep abreast of new developments and participate in further learning, maintaining membership and involvement in professional organizations, workshops and conferences.

Possess professional and responsible work habits.

• Carry out responsibilities promptly and accurately in accordance with established job description.
• Use available information technology to manage the workload and as a resource.

Follow the profession’s ethical and legal standards and guidelines.

• Promote cultural diversity and inclusivity in school policy and interpersonal relationships.
• Observe professional ethical standards.
• Maintain confidential information appropriately.
• Promote equity with respect to gender, ethnicity, and ability of students.