School Counsellor

**Overview**:
**Work type**:Full time

**Salary**:Salary not specified

**Grade**:Ed Support Level 1-Range 4

**Occupation**: Health and Allied Health

**Location**: Cranbourne

**Reference**: 1477798

**Selection Criteria**:
**SC1** Experience in the development and implementation of programs, procedures and processes that foster resilience in young people to address their social, emotional, and educational needs.

**SC2** Demonstrated capacity and experience in working as part of a collaborative team and contributing expert knowledge and advice to meet the needs and achievements of the team.

**SC3** Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to improve the learning and wellbeing outcomes of young people.

**SC4** Well developed and demonstrated knowledge of mental health interventions, risk assessment skills and counselling skills to meet the wellbeing needs of the school community.

**SC5** Demonstrated ability to support the needs of a culturally and linguistically diverse school community.

**Role**:
The School Counsellor plays a vital role in promoting and supporting the wellbeing of students at Dandenong Primary School. This position is central to the development and maintenance of a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

The role requires initiative, professional judgment, and a high level of discretion in addressing issues related to the psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing of students. The School Counsellor works proactively and responsively with students experiencing emotional or behavioural challenges, providing direct support as well as contributing to the broader wellbeing strategies of the school.

As a member of the Wellbeing Team, the School Counsellor collaborates closely with students, staff, families, and external professionals to enhance student outcomes. This includes facilitating referrals to external services when additional or ongoing support is required beyond what the school can provide.

Objectives will, generally, be clearly defined; guidelines will be broad and day-to-day direction mínimal. Management responsibility extends to ensuring appropriate support levels are maintained across the school. Range 4 generally provides key support and timely advice to the leadership team and school council and liaises with the general school community, the Department and other government agencies and service providers.

Specialised professional roles will carry a high level of independence and accountability where suitable scope is provided to achieve objectives.

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**:

- Provide information to teachers and school leaders that supports their understanding of emotional and behavioural difficulties in students.
- Provide information to parents that supports their understanding of student mental health
- Provide support and information to students to assist with mental health challenges
- Promote mental health and resilience by advising on key programs as appropriate
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely student records in accordance with professional and ethical standards.
- Ensure that mandatory reporting requirements are followed.
- Professional Development, Training and Supervision
- Support students and staff by attending co-curricular activities¿including camps, retreats, and excursions¿when required.
- Participate in school events such as assemblies, administrative tasks, and other community activities to contribute to the broader life of the school.
- Fulfil the responsibilities outlined in this position description, along with any other reasonable duties as directed from time to time.
- Promote and maintain a safe environment for all by adhering to the school¿s Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies and procedures.
- Consistently uphold the values of NBCS and comply with all school policies and procedures.
- Be available outside of regular school hours, when necessary, to support the Principal and Executive staff with wellbeing and administrative responsibilities.
- As a key member of the Wellbeing Team, carry out all responsibilities in a caring, collaborative, and professional manner demonstrating humility, honesty, and integrity at all times.

**Who May Apply**:
The School Counsellor is expected to:

- Hold appropriate professional qualifications in counselling, psychology, or a related field.
- Maintain current membership with a relevant professional body.
- Act in accordance with the values and policies o