School Counsellor

The Independent Schools Council; Tadworth; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Independent Schools Council is seeking a School Counsellor at Chinthurst to work with the pastoral team, providing counselling services to primary pupils through confidential appointments.

You will maintain records in line with GDPR, liaise with the Head of Pastoral Care and Headteacher, and ensure safeguarding and data protection compliance while supporting emotional health and well-being.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Counselling with post-qualification experience in working with primary-aged children.
• BACP Accredited/Registered Counsellor with recognised training/qualification in therapeutic work with children and young people.
• Accreditation with BACP/UKCP or equivalent or working towards accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Provide a counselling service for primary aged pupils.
• Support pastoral team to identify and support emotional health needs.
• Liaise with Head of Pastoral Care and Headteacher.
• Maintain confidential referrals and termly reports in line with GDPR.
• Follow policies, participate in professional development and supervision.
• Ensure compliance with BACP's Code of Ethics and Practice; health and safety and safeguarding procedures.
• Work systemically with family, school, and external agencies when needed.

Skills

Communication

Active listening

Confidentiality

ICT skills

Organisation

Education

Diploma in Counselling

BACP Accredited/Registered

UKCP accreditation or equivalent

Job description

The School Counsellor will work with the members of the pastoral team at Chinthurst to provide a counselling service to the children within the school community. The service will provide for individual casework through a confidential appointments system.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To provide a counselling service for primary aged pupils
• To provide support and guidance to the pastoral team enabling them to better identify and support students with emotional health and well-being difficulties
• To establish effective liaison with the Head of Pastoral Care and Headteacher
• To advise the Head of Pastoral Care and Headteacher on any related issues as they occur
• To establish, maintain and monitor appropriate administrative systems with regard to student referral and to provide termly reports of the service and contribute to regular reviews keeping records/ notes in accordance with GDPR requirements
• To follow policies and procedures which govern the counselling service
• To take part in appropriate professional development
• To ensure that the BACPs Code of Ethics and Practice is adhered to
• To make use of external supervision on a regular basis in accordance with BACP guidelines.
• To take responsibility for health and safety, equal opportunities and data protection within the scope of the post
• Follow procedures for Child Protection and Safeguarding children
• Work systemically with both the family and school and outside agencies where necessary

PERSON SPECIFICATION

QUALIFICATIONS

• The successful applicant will have a Diploma in Counselling and must have experience of working with primary aged children post qualification
• BACP (Or equivalent) Accredited/Registered Counsellor Recognised training/qualification in therapeutic work with children and young people (minimum Diploma level)
• The applicant must have, or be working towards, accreditation with BACP/UKCP or equivalent

KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• A thorough knowledge of Child Protection

Desirable

• Awareness of requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act as applied to the counselling role

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Evidence of post qualifying supervised practice
• Experience of working with other agencies

Desirable

• Experience of counselling in an education environment
• Experience of working with children of both sexes aged 2.5-11 Years

SKILLS Essential

• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Be committed to the concept of inclusive education and to have high expectations of all pupils
• Able to work well under pressure, exercise thoughtful judgement and display sensitivity
• Able to maintain confidentiality appropriate to the setting • Very well organised and able to maintain appropriate records
• Confident in the use of ICT

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential

• Caring and sensitive
• Patient and tolerant
• A mature and non-judgemental outlook