School Counsellor

The School Counsellor will work with the members of the pastoral team at Chinthurst to provide a counselling service to the children within the school community. The service will provide for individual casework through a confidential appointments system.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To provide a counselling service for primary aged pupils
• To provide support and guidance to the pastoral team enabling them to better identify and support students with emotional health and well-being difficulties
• To establish effective liaison with the Head of Pastoral Care and Headteacher
• To advise the Head of Pastoral Care and Headteacher on any related issues as they occur
• To establish, maintain and monitor appropriate administrative systems with regard to student referral and to provide termly reports of the service and contribute to regular reviews keeping records/ notes in accordance with GDPR requirements
• To follow policies and procedures which govern the counselling service
• To take part in appropriate professional development
• To ensure that the BACPs Code of Ethics and Practice is adhered to
• To make use of external supervision on a regular basis in accordance with BACP guidelines.
• To take responsibility for health and safety, equal opportunities and data protection within the scope of the post
• Follow procedures for Child Protection and Safeguarding children
• Work systemically with both the family and school and outside agencies where necessary

PERSON SPECIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS

• The successful applicant will have a Diploma in Counselling and must have experience of working with primary aged children post qualification
• BACP (Or equivalent) Accredited/Registered Counsellor Recognised training/qualification in therapeutic work with children and young people (minimum Diploma level)
• The applicant must have, or be working towards, accreditation with BACP/UKCP or equivalent

KNOWLEDGE Essential

• A thorough knowledge of Child Protection

Desirable

• Awareness of requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act as applied to the counselling role

EXPERIENCE Essential

• Evidence of post qualifying supervised practice
• Experience of working with other agencies

Desirable

• Experience of counselling in an education environment
• Experience of working with children of both sexes aged 2.5-11 Years

SKILLS Essential

• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Be committed to the concept of inclusive education and to have high expectations of all pupils
• Able to work well under pressure, exercise thoughtful judgement and display sensitivity
• Able to maintain confidentiality appropriate to the setting • Very well organised and able to maintain appropriate records
• Confident in the use of ICT

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Essential

• Caring and sensitive
• Patient and tolerant
• A mature and non-judgemental outlook