Secondary School Counsellor (August 2027)

Taylor's Education Group; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Garden International School is seeking a Secondary School Counsellor to support student wellbeing through evidence-based counselling and whole-school initiatives. The role involves clinical work, collaboration with staff and families, and safeguarding duties to ensure student safety and success.

The post holder will work with secondary students and may assist younger students as needed, participating in supervision, professional development, and multidisciplinary teamwork.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified as a Counsellor, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Drama, Music or Art Therapist.
• Post-training experience of at least 3 years working with children and adolescents in school counselling or mental health settings.
• Ability to collaborate with staff, parents and safeguarding colleagues to support student wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Assess referrals to determine suitability for school-based intervention.
• Provide individual and group counselling using developmentally appropriate approaches.
• Support with referrals to external professionals when needs fall outside in-school provision.
• Maintain confidentiality while balancing safeguarding and duty of care.
• Identify students at risk and follow safeguarding procedures.
• Manage a defined caseload and maintain clinical notes.
• Contribute to school wellbeing initiatives and whole-school counselling team activities.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and supervision.

Skills

Counselling

Ethical practice

Intercultural awareness

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Counselling/psychology/therapy qualification (Counsellor, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Drama, Music or Art Therapist)

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Secondary School Counsellor (August 2027)

The Secondary School Counsellor supports the wellbeing of students through therapeutic interventions in the Secondary School. The role involves delivering evidence-based counselling interventions, contributing to whole-school wellbeing initiatives, and working collaboratively with staff, families, and safeguarding colleagues to ensure the safety and success of all students. The post holder may also work with younger students when needed.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical work roles and responsibilities

Assess referrals from staff, parents, and students to determine suitability for school-based intervention.

Provide individual and group counselling using developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approaches, with an ability to include verbal and nonverbal methods such as play or art-based interventions when appropriate.

Support with referrals to external professionals when needs fall outside the scope of in-school provision.

Maintain confidentiality while balancing safeguarding and duty of care.

Identify students at risk and follow the school’s safeguarding and child protection procedures.

Manage a defined caseload and maintain timely, accurate clinical notes using the school’s designated platform.

Prepare internal and service reports when required.

Be an active participant in regular Whole School Counselling Team meetings which include case discussions and self directed professional development.

Be engaged with the ongoing service development through data review and annual development days.

Participate in monthly clinical supervision.

Maintain active membership in an appropriate professional body and engage in ongoing professional development.

Educational roles and responsibilities

Support students in developing social, emotional, and interpersonal skills that enhance access to learning.

Collaborate with teachers, tutors, and pastoral staff to address barriers to engagement and progress.

Provide consultation and guidance to staff and parents regarding student needs, classroom strategies, and wellbeing concerns.

Contribute to targeted interventions, transition support, and personalised plans where appropriate.

Support assemblies, workshops, and psychoeducational activities that strengthen student wellbeing.

School community roles and responsibilities

Represent the Counselling Team positively within the school and the wider community.

Participate in case discussions, counselling team meetings, and cross-team pastoral meetings.

Support students transitioning into or out of the school through the school’s Good Goodbye programme

Contribute to school-wide wellbeing initiatives and campaigns that align with the school’s mission and values.

Ensure key information is shared promptly and appropriately with relevant staff.

Engage in the Child Study Team process and Team Around the Child Process to provide multidisciplinary support.

Parental support-roles and responsibilities

Work sensitively with parents to help them understand their child’s needs and support progress at home and in school.

Involve parents in the counselling process when appropriate and beneficial to the student.

Provide guidance for families on topics relating to wellbeing, resilience, emotional development, and behaviour.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

MINIMUM ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION:

Fully qualified as a Counsellor, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Drama, Music or Art Therapist

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Post-training minimum experience of 3 years working with children and adolescents in school counselling or mental health settings

COMPETENCIES

Upholds the values and safeguarding expectations of the school.

Demonstrates outstanding counselling practice.

Reflective practitioner with an openness to adaptability to meet the needs of a busy school environment.

Emotionally mature and self aware.

Collaborates effectively with colleagues and contributes positively to the wider school community.

Uses technology confidently to support communication and case management.

Flexible, adaptable, and able to apply creative problem-solving.

Maintains high expectations for student wellbeing and growth.

Communicates sensitively and professionally with students, families, and staff.

Demonstrates strong intercultural awareness and understanding of diverse family contexts.

Shows curiosity, strong analytical thinking, and a commitment to ongoing learning.

This job description may be adapted to best fit the skills and needs of the appointed candidate. Over time, the job description may be modified through consultation between the post holder and the management.

Garden International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, all offers of employment are subject to a criminal record check (ICPC or equivalent).