School Counsellor

Westminster is a leading coeducational, Early Learning to Year 12, day and boarding Uniting Church
school. We aspire to be the best school for an exceptional education, developing individuals of great
character to achieve more than they thought possible. We want Westminster to have a world class
reputation, renowned for a genuine focus on wellbeing, inspired by our values of kindness, resilience,
mindfulness, curiosity, courageousness, and inclusivity.

**Position name School Counsellor**

**Area of School **Wellbeing

**Employment Status **Permanent part time - 41 weeks per year (school term times only)

**Employment Conditions **Award and Agreement Free

**Key Relationships**

The School Counsellor works closely with the Pastoral Care team
including the Manager of Counselling, Heads of School, Heads of
Boarding, Heads of House, the Health Centre team, the Chaplain
and the Principal.
This position is accountable to the Principal, however on a day-to
- day basis will receive direction from the Deputy Principal / Head of
Senior School.

**_Position Objective: _**
To promote the welfare and well-being of students and staff at all levels in the School and provide
effective counselling support for students experiencing personal, emotional, behavioural and/or social
difficulties. The School Counsellor may also provide counselling and guidance to other members of the
School Community, eg family meetings.

This position is required to work during school term times when demand for services is high. Providing
proactive wellbeing support and counselling to the students of Westminster, with some flexibility in
working hours could be negotiated to best cater for our Boarding Community. There may be times
where this position would be expected to be available during term break times to respond to emergency
situations.

**_Key Responsibilities: _**
**1. Student Matters**
- Provide a specialised personal and educational counselling service for students across the

School. Such counselling may be initiated by the students themselves, or by staff and/or
parents.
- Support teachers with pastoral care responsibilities by providing in-servicing of staff in social,

emotional or school safety issues.
- Engage in counselling of students on a one-to-one basis and with the support of the School

Counsellor team and the wider pastoral care team.
- Refer students to outside agencies if that is deemed appropriate.
- Assist teachers and other staff who work with students with particular learning needs.

**2. Staff Matters**
- Assist School Leaders to in-service staff in appropriate student Wellbeing programs.
- Liaise regularly with the Head of Wellbeing, Heads of House, School Nurses and Chaplain on

counselling matters and specific student cases within the School, where appropriate.

**3. Outside Agencies**:

- Contribute to the State's counselling networks by taking part in conferences and committee work, as
- appropriate, for example the School's Psychologists and Counsellors Network in Independent Schools- Develop appropriate industry and professional networks.

**4. General Organisation**
- Liaise closely with all members of the Pastoral Care team about issues related to students' emotional

well-being and the management of particular individual student needs.
- Contribute to the Wellbeing program.
- Report regularly to the Principal and the Heads of School as required.
- Help develop and maintain lines of communication with Heads of House, Tutors and other staff involved
- in the pastoral care of students.- Contribute to developing and achieving strategic School improvement priorities.
- Model and promote behaviours and conduct expected of staff and students.
- Other duties as advised by the Principal from time to time.

**_Key Selection Criteria: Qualifications, Skills and Experience _**
- Tertiary qualification in psychology or other appropriate qualification (eg Social Work, Occupational

Therapy etc).***
- Full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or relevant

association***
- Possess professional counselling experience in an educational setting.***
- Demonstrated solid understanding of contemporary mental health matters affecting young people.
- Ability to demonstrate skills in people management with staff, students and parents.***
- An efficient administrator, able to work well under the pressure of deadlines.****:

- Have awareness of the ethical and legal issues regarding the role of a professional counsellor including:
confidentiality; informed consent; appropriate disclosures; referral pathways; case note documentation
and security.***
- Adherence to the Australian Psychological Society (APS) code of ethics (or other relevant body).***
- Be able to effectively counsel students.
- Demonstrated effectiveness as a School Counsellor is desirable.
- Current First Aid certificate.

**_Key Selection Criteria: Personal Qualities _**
- Displays high levels of ethics and integrity.
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