School Counsellor

General expectations:

 School Specific expecations:

To students

·       To provide 1:1 support to students.

·       To assess the suitability of support within the counselling environment.

·       To ensure an approachable, informal open door policy for all within the school.

·       To inform students of the confidentiality limitations within the counselling environment.

·       To work with the students, offering support guidance and advice to parents, students and staff as required.

·       If a collective concern is identified, assessed and appropriate, offer students group work to help deal with associated issues.

·       To communicate and liaise with teachers, nurses, heads of year and senior staff about the welfare of students within the remits of the student/Counsellor confidentiality process.

·       To ensure that equal opportunities are given to all students, to enable them to access the counselling service.

·       To be aware of issues within the school environment that may affect the emotional health of students, both on individual basis, on a year specific basis or as a school community.

To the Wider Community

·       To communicate and liaise with parents regarding their child’s welfare, within the remits of the student/counsellor confidentiality process.

·       To provide support and guidance to school staff enabling them to better identify and support students with emotional health and well-being difficulties.

Staff Support:

• Offer counseling and support to school staff, including teachers, administrators, and other staff members.
• Address issues related to stress, burnout, and work-life balance.
• Provide referrals to external resources for staff members in need of additional support.
• School Culture and Climate
• Promote a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Develop and implement school-wide counseling programs to address common student needs.
• Collaborate with school administrators to create a supportive and safe learning environment.

 Well – Being:

• Serve on school well being committee.
• Develop and implement comprehensive programs to promote students’ physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and other school staff to identify and address students’ needs.
• Develop and implement programs to promote staff well-being, including stress management, work-life balance, and mental health support.
• Collaborate with school leaders to create a positive and supportive work environment.

Professional Development

• To have knowledge of the child protection policies and liaise with the child protection coordinator as required.
• To raise awareness and promote the counselling service within the school to students, staff and parents using a range of strategies.
• To research workshops, seminars, CPD training opportunities for self and others to promote better understanding of issues that affect young people.
• To research and liaise with outside agencies to enhance the counselling service offered.
• To keep up to date on current literature with regards to young people issues and counselling developments.
• To attend regular outside supervision sessions.
• To provide reports on request relating to the counselling service.

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GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.