JOB TITLE: WHOLE SCHOOL COUNSELLOR AND/OR / LEAD COUNSELLOR

Links to: Senior Leadership Team

WHO ARE WE?

Nexus is an empowering, learning-focused community. We strive to create an honest, open and innovative community with our learners, parents and peers. We believe that we have something unique and special here, we are proud to be different in the way we work; and how we teach and learn.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

At Nexus, we do things differently.  Each member of staff is valued and recognised as a unique individual collaborating as part of a supportive community, to elevate one another with innovative ideas. Our strategies emerge from the collective positive mindsets of our colleagues.  You will experience high levels of ownership and empowerment in your role. 

JOB DESCRIPTION
A school counsellor is a knowledgeable and reflective practitioner who provides leadership and expertise in fostering positive relationships and supporting the mental wellbeing of a diverse school community. They play a vital role in supporting mental wellbeing, helping learners navigate challenges, and advocating for those who may feel overwhelmed or disengaged.

In addition to offering individual and group counselling, they collaborate with teachers, parents, and external professionals to support learners’ social-emotional development. They also provide crisis intervention, support the school’s approach to pastoral care, and contribute to safeguarding efforts by identifying and responding to concerns about learners’ wellbeing.

Furthermore, they may design and implement mental health programmes, lead professional development for staff on emotional wellbeing, and support transitions for learners adapting to new environments. Their role is essential in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all learners.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Counselling Duties:

• Support learners in exploring their concerns, promoting growth, resilience, and personal development.
• Assist teachers by offering strategies and resources to better support learners' mental and emotional wellbeing in the classroom.
• Support learners' behaviour and engagement in collaboration with the pastoral team.
• Liaise between external support services and the school to ensure coordinated care and appropriate referrals for learners in need.
• Run lunchtime group programmes for learners to build skills in emotional regulation, social interaction, and overall wellbeing.
• Create and maintain accurate, up-to-date confidential records.
• Attend regular year group, subject, and team meetings to facilitate discussions around learners’ needs and support.
• Contribute to whole-school events and extracurricular activities to enhance the school experience and foster a supportive environment for learners.
• Develop and implement outreach activities to raise awareness of mental health and promote positive mental wellbeing.
• Share parenting tips with parents and connect them to relevant resources to support their child’s wellbeing.
• Continuously create initiatives to improve learners’ social and emotional skills through activities or programmes tailored to their needs.

Safeguarding Duties:

• Conduct risk assessments as part of safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring all potential risks to learners are identified and addressed.
• Support DSLs in safeguarding inquiries and intervention planning, providing necessary information and input regarding the wellbeing of learners.
• Ensure proper documentation of safeguarding issues and interventions is maintained and handled in accordance with school policies.

Lead Counsellor:

• Provide supervision and guidance to counsellor(s), supporting their professional development and ensuring they meet the school's standards of practice.
• Manage the day-to-day flow and allocation of counsellors to maximise their impact on supporting learners and the community 
• Lead the development and implementation of school-wide mental health initiatives, creating and tailoring programmes, activities, and services to promote positive mental health across all year groups in alignment with school priorities and the evolving needs of the learner community.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the counselling services, identifying areas for growth and improvement and making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal support.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for mental health and wellbeing concerns within the school, including assessing socio-emotional referrals and determining appropriate interventions and support.
• Collaborate closely with school leadership, pastoral team, and external partners to ensure the holistic care and support of learners, and to promote cross-departmental collaboration on mental health initiatives.
• Develop and lead professional development opportunities for staff on mental health, wellbeing, and how to identify and address mental health concerns in learners.
• Oversee the growth and utilization of the counselling and wellness centre, ensuring its services are effectively accessed by students and staff, and continuously expanding its reach.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external support services and agencies to establish partnerships that enhance the support available for learners, including mental health specialists and community resources.
• Advocate for resources for the counselling team, including facilities, time allocation, and training to maintain high standards of care and support for the school community.

Safeguarding Duties (Lead Counsellor):

• Provide leadership in safeguarding within the counselling team, ensuring risk assessments and intervention strategies are effectively executed in line with school policies and best practices.
• Liaise with the Designated Safeguarding Leads, supporting inquiries, intervention planning, and decision-making on safeguarding concerns.
• Oversee all safeguarding cases within the counselling team, ensuring correct procedures are followed, documentation is accurate, and cases are monitored consistently.
• Lead safeguarding meetings within the counselling team, ensuring concerns are addressed promptly, and necessary actions are taken.
• Develop and implement safeguarding strategies to promote learner safety, emotional security, and well-being across the school.
• Generate regular safeguarding reports for leadership, highlighting incidents, trends, and ongoing interventions.
• Promote safeguarding awareness within the school community by leading initiatives, training sessions, and policy development.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• A minimum of a relevant degree and a recognised counselling qualification(s), with higher qualifications preferred.
• Registered with a recognised professional counselling body in any country, with a willingness to work towards membership with the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) if not already registered.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the professional duties, ethical obligations, and legal responsibilities of counsellors, upholding the highest ethical standards in practice and serving as a professional role model.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong and effective relationships with colleagues, learners, and parents.
• Strong ability to manage crisis effectively, providing timely interventions and support in high-stress situations.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in counselling and mental health.
• Experience working with learners and adults from diverse backgrounds and needs.
• Prior experience in an international school environment is an advantage.
• Strong theoretical knowledge and practical application of a range of counselling methodologies, theories, and strategies.
• A genuine appreciation for working with children and young people.
• A collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Proven leadership in whole-school mental health programmes and initiatives.
• Resilient, adaptable, and sensitive to the needs of learners, families, and staff.
• Excellent communication skills in Standard English, both verbal and written.
• Strong active listening skills and the ability to provide reflective, empathetic support.
• A sense of humour, warmth, and the ability to positively engage and influence others.

Nexus International School (Singapore) is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our children and families. Nexus endorses the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Singapore ratified on 11 December 2008, and establishes a clear policy and guidelines to protect our learners from maltreatment by any person or persons who come in contact with them in any environment.

Nexus International School (Singapore) is an equal opportunity employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and value the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our school.