School Counsellor

Taaleem is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We hold ourselves to high standards and expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to various background checks including receipt of high-quality references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks.

The School Counsellor supports and empowers the social, emotional, personal and academic growth of all students. The School Counsellor is an advocate for students and operates in a proactive manner, working in partnership with teachers, parents, colleagues and the local and international community. He/she supports students with the resources to access the school curriculum and to achieve academic success and personal wellbeing.

Senior Leadership Team, Whole School Counsellor, School Staff, Parents and Students, External Agencies and Service Providers.

Communicate, build relationships and inspire confidence in all stakeholders.

• Ensuring that all staff receive the necessary level of training and support with regards to common student wellbeing issues
• Providing a clear channel for parent queries and concerns and supporting parents with advice and introductions to external providers where appropriate
• Contributing to regular discussion forums on topics of interest to parents
• Playing a full part in all Taaleem Job-a-Like meetings
• Providing appropriate reports on student issues to Year Leaders and the Secondary Leadership Team
• Building trusting relationships with external service providers

In collaboration with teachers and parents, support students in setting meaningful goals and developing effective strategies and skills to achieve them.

• Identify specific goals and develop strategies towards achieving these goals.
• Guide teachers and parents in interpreting assessment outcomes and in developing Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
• Use assessment data to identify specific student needs and inform goal-setting and targeted interventions.
• Demonstrate accurate interpretation of assessment data and present this information in a clear and concise manner to parents and the Inclusion Team.
• Conduct formal observations to further inform student support planning.
• Explain and interpret the statistical concepts used in assessment batteries.
• Ensure assessment data is used appropriately, guarding against over-interpretation, and maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Make recommendations based upon evaluation findings.

Provide counselling to individual students and small groups in line with identified needs.

• Work within the context of the multi-disciplinary team to identify and address counselling needs.
• Provide counselling, as needed (e.g. anxiety, grief, trauma, family break-up).
• Support students in developing clear, practical behaviour plans focused on resolving identified concerns.
• Act as an advocate for students, promoting their wellbeing and ensuring their voices are heard.
• Consult effectively with students, parents, colleagues and other professionals.
• Prior to consultation, gather and prepare the necessary information.
• During consultation, interpret information and communicate ideas effectively.
• Suggest a variety of strategies and interventions.
• Appreciate alternative opinions and promote a spirit of cooperation.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of action plans.
• Encourage feedback and input from relevant stakeholders.

• Determine the need for and make appropriate referrals.
• Maintain a current list of referral resources in the local community.
• Assist students and parents throughout the referral process.
• Collaborate with professional external agencies and assist with implementing their recommendations.

Provide a comprehensive and balanced counselling program consistent with identified student needs and in collaboration with school staff.

• Maintain a database of student consultations and interventions.
• Conduct needs assessments to determine systemic social and emotional needs for individual students and groups.
• Follow priorities established within the counselling program framework and in association with the school curriculum.
• Use sound organisational skills to:
  • Operate from a program based upon the academic year and provide workshops to parents, accordingly (e.g. on child development, transition and other relevant topics)
  • Set timelines and follow them.
• Implement and evaluate an effective counselling program, using feedback to inform continuous improvement.
• Explain/promote the philosophy, priorities, and practices of the counselling program.

• Promote positive self-image in students.
• Provide a climate of open communication.
• Interact in a mutually respectful and friendly manner, getting to know the students and being available to all students.
• Use discretion in handling…