Student Counsellor

Location: North West Region | Sunbury

Job type: Full time / From 04/05/2023 - 20/12/2023

Organisation: Education

**Salary**: Salary not specified

Occupation: Education and Training

Reference: 1341082

**Selection Criteria**:

- Demonstrated competency in psychological/counselling intervention, using recognised, evidence-based approaches.
- Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to improve the learning and wellbeing outcomes of young people.
- Previous experience that demonstrates ethical counselling practices with young people.
- Demonstrated ability working effectively and efficiently to support young people in complex situations.
- Ability to work as an individual and as part of a team to deliver shared outcomes.

**Role**:
Range 3 is distinguished by the introduction of management responsibility and accountability for the delivery of professional support services. The role will usually impact beyond the work area or professional field. It seeks to gain cooperation of other staff members or members of the school community to achieve specific objectives, such as in school administration, operations or educational programs.

Direction on targets and goals is provided but the position will have some degree of latitude in determining how they are achieved. This latitude will generally be limited by standard procedures and school policy. Deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.

The provision of business management responsibilities becomes a feature at range 3. Management of staff to achieve the expected outcomes is a key responsibility. Staff management issues will be resolved with mínimal reference to senior management, although guidance will be required in more complex cases. Senior management will be provided with timely reports and advice, although this will generally be confined to matters relating to the immediate work area, service provision or educational program and is unlikely to impact substantially on whole of school operations.

This is the minimum range for positions that carry a mandatory qualification requirement of not less than four years. Professional student support positions become a feature at range 3 (e.g. therapists, psychologists) where standard professional services are delivered. Professional support and guidance will be close at hand and deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.

An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students, but must not include duties of teaching as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students cannot be required except where it is an integral part of the employee's position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.

**Responsibilities**:
**Duties and essential job functions of the Student Counsellor**

**Counselling and psychological services**:

- Provide counselling for students, families and groups where appropriate
- Maintain case notes and student files in accordance with school guidelines
- Provide feedback and support for families regarding individual students
- Conduct psycho-educational and other relevant assessments
- Contribute to educational planning on the basis of assessments conducted

**Professional relationships**:

- Liaise with teachers where appropriate to develop personal, social and learning strategies for students
- Liaise with Year Level Co-ordinators, wellbeing team and leadership in matters relating to individual and group needs
- Refer to and liaise with, external agencies and professionals as required
- Attend wellbeing and whole school meetings
- Actively participate in the wellbeing team case discussion, planning, critical incident response, development of knowledge and processes
- Report to Student Wellbeing Coordinator and Principal team

**Professional contributions**:

- Contribute to the professional learning of staff on child development, emotional and psychological issues
- Promote a model of good mental heath for staff, students and families
- Contribute to the planning and delivery of parent education seminars
- Participate in relevant classroom programs as required and/or offer specialised groups on targeted areas eg. social skills, study skills

**Other**:

- Attend parent information evenings
- Assist with the critical incident response where necessary
- Participate in relevant professional development activities

**Who May Apply**:
**Qualifications**
- Registered Psychologist, social worker and / or counsellor
- Experience working in schools is an advantage

**Other skills and attributes**
- Discretion and confidentiality are essential attributes to this position
- Demonstruated proficiency in core p