School Counsellor

General expectations:

• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values
• Ensure the GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct are followed at all times.
• Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical work day, where the tasks require additional commitment.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Perform other duties as requested by direct and dotted reporting line managers or supervisors.

School specific expectations:

To students

• To provide 1:1 support to students.
• To assess the suitability of support within the counselling environment.
• To ensure an approachable, informal open door policy for all within the school.
• To inform students of the confidentiality limitations within the counselling environment.
• To work with the students, offering support, guidance, and advice to parents, students, and staff as required.
• If a collective concern is identified, assessed and appropriate, offer students group work to help deal with associated issues.
• To communicate and liaise with teachers, nurses, heads of year, and senior staff about the welfare of students within the remits of the student/counsellor confidentiality process.
• To ensure that equal opportunities are given to all students, to enable them to access the counselling service.
• To be aware of issues within the school environment that may affect the emotional health of students, both on an individual basis, on a year-specific basis, or as a school community.

To the wider community

• To communicate and liaise with parents regarding their child’s welfare, within the remits of the student/counsellor confidentiality process.
• To provide support and guidance to school staff enabling them to better identify and support students with emotional health and well-being difficulties.

Staff support:

• Offer counseling and support to school staff, including teachers, administrators, and other staff members.
• Address issues related to stress, burnout, and work-life balance.
• Provide referrals to external resources for staff members in need of additional support.

School culture and climate

• Promote a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Develop and implement school-wide counseling programs to address common student needs.
• Collaborate with school administrators to create a supportive and safe learning environment.

Well-being:

• Serve on school well-being committee.
• Develop and implement comprehensive programs to promote students' physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and other school staff to identify and address students' needs.
• Develop and implement programs to promote staff well-being, including stress management, work-life balance, and mental health support.
• Collaborate with school leaders to create a positive and supportive work environment.

Professional development

• To have knowledge of the child protection policies and liaise with the child protection coordinator as required.
• To raise awareness and promote the counselling service within the school to students, staff, and parents using a range of strategies.
• To research workshops, seminars, and CPD training opportunities for self and others to promote better understanding of issues that affect young people.
• To research and liaise with outside agencies to enhance the counselling service offered.
• To keep up to date on current literature with regards to young people issues and counselling developments.
• To attend regular outside supervision sessions.
• To provide reports on request relating to the counselling service.

Skills

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.