Key Responsibilities:
A. Student Counselling:
Provide 1:1 counselling sessions to support students' emotional and social well-being.
Assess the suitability of the counselling setting for each students needs.
Maintain an open-door policy to ensure approachability and trust.
Clearly communicate the limitations of confidentiality within the counselling process.
Offer guidance and support to students, parents, and staff where appropriate.
Conduct group sessions when collective issues are identified.
Liaise with teachers, nurses, heads of year, and senior staff while maintaining confidentiality.
Ensure equal access to counselling services for all students.
Remain alert to issues affecting students emotional healthxe2x80x94individually and collectively.
B. Career Counselling:
Guide students in career exploration, goal-setting, and planning.
Provide support with university applications, subject selection, and pathways post-graduation.
Organize career talks, fairs, and workshops to raise awareness of opportunities.
Maintain current knowledge of local and international higher education systems.
To the Wider Community:
Communicate and liaise with parents about student well-being and progress, within confidentiality boundaries.
Support and train school staff to help them recognize and manage student mental health and well-being concerns.
Professional Development:
Stay informed and compliant with Child Protection policies, liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead as required.
Promote awareness of the counselling service to students, staff, and parents.
Attend and recommend relevant CPD opportunities, workshops, and seminars.
Collaborate with external agencies to enrich counselling support.
Keep up to date with literature and best practices in youth counselling and career development.
Participate in regular supervision sessions as required for professional practice.
Provide timely reports and updates on the counselling programme when requested.
Skills
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
Student Personal & Social Development
Implementation of policies and practices that foster positive behavior, social responsibility, and cultural understanding.
Protection, Care, and Support
Evidence of a safe school environment with regular monitoring and support of students personal development and well-being.
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelors degree in Psychology, Counselling, Education, or a related field (Masters preferred).
Certification in School Counselling and/or Career Guidance preferred.
Minimum of 3 years experience in a school or educational setting.
Strong understanding of child development, safeguarding, and pastoral care.
Excellent communication, empathy, and interpersonal 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.