School Counsellor

**School Counsellor**

A school counsellor plays a vital role in supporting students' social, emotional, and academic well-being. You will provide counselling services, guidance, and support to students identified as vulnerable, struggling or requiring additional intervention. Your primary goal will be to enhance students' overall well-being, both inside and outside the classroom, in order for them to feel happy, safe and secure in school, and to have the strategies to cope with all aspects of school life.
- Supporting students on a one-to-one/group basis to deliver targeted intervention for identified SEMH needs.
- Utilising a range of coaching and counselling methods to support and promote students’ mental health & well-being.
- Works in collaboration with teachers, parents and external support services, whilst upholding confidentiality and respect for the students’ right to privacy.
- Advocates for the students’ voice & well-being.
- Where necessary, refers students to external support services for specialist support & treatment.
- Collaborates with pastoral/year leads to identify SEMH issues across year groups and support with delivery of well-being content within pastoral time.
- Supports leadership to promote whole school well-being.

**Essential Requirements**:

- Hold a degree qualification in psychology, counselling or a similar field.
- Minimum 2 years’ experience providing well-being and mental health support to children and young people, preferably in a school setting.
- A practitioner to join the team and facilitate one-to-one/group sessions for male, hard to reach students.
- Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding laws, policies and procedures in the UK and UAE.

**Preferred Attributes**:

- Emotionally intelligent with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Warm, empathetic, assertive and non-judgmental communication style.
- Strong organisation & time management skills.
- Takes a proactive, preventative approach to mental health support.
- Values and responds to the diversity of students across ability, cultural & religious background and gender.
- Knowledge of CBT, solution-focused, strength-based approaches to counselling.

**Responsibilities**:

- Provide Counselling Services: Offer individual and group counselling sessions to students, addressing a wide range of social, emotional, and behavioural concerns. Utilize various therapeutic approaches and evidence-based interventions to support students' mental health and personal development.
- Emotional Support: Create a safe and nurturing environment where students can express their emotions, thoughts, and concerns. Offer empathetic listening, understanding, and guidance to help students navigate challenges, manage stress, and develop coping strategies.
- Guidance on study organisation, prioritisation and where to seek academic help. Assist students in setting study goals, developing study skills, and creating revision/study plans. Collaborate with teachers and parents to identify and address academic challenges, provide appropriate resources, and promote student success.
- Crisis Intervention: Respond promptly and effectively to student crises, such as incidents of bullying, self-harm, or trauma. Provide immediate support, assess the situation, and coordinate appropriate interventions or referrals as needed, including to the DSL if required.
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and other staff members to develop and implement programs and strategies that promote students' well-being, social-emotional learning, and positive behaviour. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to individualized education plans (IEPs) when necessary.
- Parental Involvement: Establish positive relationships with parents and guardians, offering guidance, resources, and support to address their concerns and enhance their understanding of their child's needs. Conduct parent workshops or presentations on relevant topics.
- Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and confidential student records, documenting counselling sessions, interventions, and progress. Adhere to ethical and legal guidelines related to student privacy and confidentiality.
- Professional Development: Stay updated on the latest research, best practices, and relevant legislation related to counselling and student well-being. Attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance professional knowledge and skills.
- Attend weekly meetings with your line manager in order to discuss certain cases and seek advice where required.

Successful applicants will take up their position in August 2023 and will be required to participate in a thorough induction programme.

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