KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

To carry out the professional duties of a guidance counsellor as circumstances may require and in accordance with the school's policies under the direction of the Principal. The role of a counsellor includes:

1. Conduct individual and group counselling sessions for learners to address a range of academic, social, and emotional concerns.
2. Provide crisis intervention and support for learners experiencing personal or academic difficulties.
3. Collaborate with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to identify and address student needs.
4. Develop and implement counselling programs and activities that promote healthy social and emotional development.
5. Assist with academic planning and support where required by the Principal.
6. Maintain confidential records and adhere to ethical guidelines for counselling.
7. Ensure regular updates are given to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), as necessary and the Principal is informed accordingly.
8. Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in counselling and education.
9. Provide support and guidance to members of the Nexus community as required with priority given to learners.
10. Attend school-wide events and meetings as necessary to support the school community.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Consistent with Nexus International School policies, the guidance counsellor is responsible for:

Counselling

To offer personal, counselling support for learners, staff and families as required and appropriate by:

• Accepting self referrals from learners, staff and families of Secondary age.
• Accepting referrals from staff and families of learners in Primary.
• Conferences and events with other schools.
• Meeting with learners and, where appropriate, their families.
• Providing specialist advice to relevant groups or individuals.
• Undertaking assessment of students as required by examination bodies or the school.
• Facilitating group counselling and support sessions where appropriate.
• Liaising with counsellors in other schools and with other agencies.
• When required, make recommendations and consult with the school for referral onto external services .
• At all times, behaving in a manner consistent with counselling Code of Ethics.
• Identify and report any safeguarding and child protection concerns following Nexus International school’s policies and procedures.
• Be proactive in reporting safeguarding issues and concerns, to the school and line management, in accordance with Nexus International School Policy.

Programmes

Lead and support pastoral care and personal development programmes that support school priorities by:

• Demonstrating a high level of relevant professional knowledge through development of resources for and contributing to the PSHE programme.

• Contributing and collaborating with Learning Support programmes.
• Supporting and informing the work of primary classroom teachers and secondary tutors.
• Contributing to whole school planning activities.

Promoting and participating in teacher learning and development

• Engaging in opportunities to improve personal IT skills.
• Sharing up to date research within the counselling field.
• Actively engaging in the school’s appraisal procedures.
• Undertaking regular supervision meetings.
• Contribute to staff professional learning about pastoral and counselling issues in schools.

Administration

• Preparing and maintaining appropriate records and documentation.
• Accountable for inputting data and recording data relating to all activities and interventions in the school in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provide regular reports in accordance with guidelines and in conjunction with your line manager, undertake an annual review of the school service and produce a report to be shared with the school.
• Use data to inform practice and improve impact.
• Make good use of online management systems, such as diary planning etc.
• Contribute to the development of policies and practices in relation to guidance activities.
• Keep key stakeholders informed of learners on the counselling list  - sharing of key information about type of counselling, length of programme, and attendance.

Co-curricular activities

• Participate in Residential excursions as appropriate.
• Provide cover in the boarding house if required.
• Undertaking grounds duties as required.
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Other projects, duties and responsibilities

• Have a working knowledge of teachers' professional duties and legal liabilities.
• Operate at all times within the stated policies and practices of the school.
• Establish effective working relationships with colleagues and parents.
• Set a good example through presentation and personal and professional conduct.
• Co-operate with other staff to ensure a sharing and effective usage of resources to the benefit of the school and learners.

• Contribute to the corporate life of the school through effective participation in meetings and management systems necessary to coordinate the management of the school.
• Take part in marketing and liaison activities such as Open Days, Parent Teacher

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified. Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.

This job description may be amended at any time following discussion between the principal and member of staff, to be reviewed annually.

Expenditure Authority:

Up to budget allocations consistent with school policies

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

The Guidance Counsellor reports to the Principal.

In addition the Guidance Counsellor develops and maintains effective working relationships with:

• Heads of School
• Director of Boarding
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Head of Inclusion
• Teachers
• Learners
• Parents

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Qualifications and Training

          A relevant degree plus counselling qualification (or equivalent)

          Evidence of continued relevant professional development

Experience

Experience in a school environment (preferred)         

Experience in Counselling learners in an International School

Experience in a boarding setting

Knowledge and Understanding

Practical and theoretical understanding of effective counselling, teaching and learning strategies, including positive behaviour and restorative practice

          Understanding and knowledge of principles and practice of inclusion

CORE COMPETENCIES

We are looking for someone who can:

• establish and maintain good relationships with colleagues, learners and parents
• communicate effectively orally and in writing
• deal effectively and non confrontationally with learners and staff
• positively influence others
• listen actively
• motivate and engage with colleagues