School Counsellor

Taaleem is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. At Taaleem, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection, and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We 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.Job PurposeThe 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, she/he supports students with the resources to access the school curriculum and to achieve academic success and personal wellbeing.Key Relationships (Internal and External)Senior Leadership Team, Whole School Counsellor, School Staff, Parents and Students, External Agencies and Service Providers.Key AccountabilitiesCommunicate, build relationships and inspire confidence in all stakeholdersThe Counsellor achieves this through:Ensuring that all staff receive the necessary level of training and support with regards to common student wellbeing issuesProviding a clear channel for parent queries and concerns and supporting parents with advice and introductions to external providers where appropriateContributing to regular discussion forums on topics of interest to parentsPlaying a full part in all Taaleem Job-a-Like meetingsProviding appropriate reports on student issues to Year Leaders and the Secondary Leadership TeamBuilding trusting relationships with external service providersDelivery: Individual Student PlanningIn collaboration with teachers and parents, support students in setting meaningful goals and developing effective strategies and skills to achieve themIdentify 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 batteriesEnsure assessment data is used appropriately, guarding against over‑interpretation, and maintain strict confidentiality at all times.Make recommendations based upon evaluation findingsResponsive ServicesProvide counselling to individual students and small groups in line with identified needsWork 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 plansEncourage feedback and input from relevant stakeholders.Implement an effective referral process within the framework of the Inclusion TeamDetermine 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.AccountabilityProvide a comprehensive and balanced counselling program consistent with identified student needs and in collaboration with school staffMaintain 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 programme 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 themImplement and evaluate an effective counselling program, using feedback to inform continuous improvement.Explain/promote the philosophy, priorities, and practices of the counselling program.Professional communication and interactionDemonstrate positiv