School Counsellor

Description

Job Description for Wellbeing Counsellor

This version May 2024

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do.

Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and

learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety

issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and

differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the

most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our

community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the

children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and

professional development and school improvement.

For all staff in school we share a responsibility to ensure that children are safe and properly supervised

at all times. Our school is committed to ‘amazing learning’- providing enjoyable and meaningful

learning experiences so that every pupil makes as much progress as possible. All staff are expected to

adhere to The Aquila Professional Code of Conduct and commit to promoting our vision – ‘A happy

community school with amazing learning at its heart where pupils are empowered to make choices,

engage in meaningful learning experiences and make exceptional progress’. Our focus is providing

children with amazing learning and to be the school of choice for the community we serve.

The Aquila School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate

vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10

years’ employment history.

This is a very varied role. The wellbeing advisor will ensure our children are safe and happy in school so

they can focus on amazing learning. This will involve working with groups and individuals informally

helping children manage issues and feelings including as time to talk, as well as providing formal

counselling with parental consent and working closely with staff and families

Key Qualities And Skills

 Proven working experience in school counselling with children aged 3 up

 Integrity and professionalism

 Kind, considerate and welcoming

 Ability to respond effectively to the needs of a diverse community

 Working knowledge of various counselling models, practices and resources

‘Amazing learning’

 Engaging interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills

 Sound judgement and emotional intelligence

 Ability to work and support children, staff and families

Core Purpose Of a Wellbeing Advisor

The wellbeing advisor’s priority is to support the academic and social welfare of pupils by initiating and

maintaining a positive relationship with pupils, staff and families in order to enhance the school’s

academic mission of providing amazing learning. He/she is also responsible for engaging the

community in building cooperative partnerships for the sake of a pupil’s success. He/she is expected to

develop a healthy, safe and productive environment in which pupils can achieve their potential and are

required to counsel and support pupils on personal development issues or when dealing with complex

and sensitive issues. The wellbeing advisor will also be available to staff who need counselling support.

He/she will be the safeguarding lead for the school.

Key Duties Include

The wellbeing advisor must undertake various tasks, including:

 Helping children manage their feelings and deal with a range of incidents

 Providing group and individual support on an ad hoc and planned time to talk basis

 Managing playground games, buddies and other systems within the school

 Monitoring and managing pupil attendance and punctuality

 Providing formal counselling with consent of the family

 Supporting staff in managing incidents and behaviour

 Supporting families – individuals, support groups and larger groups e.g. through workshops

 Working with staff to analyse in school assessments such as PASS

 Working with the inclusion team, medical and safeguarding staff to provide the very best

pastoral care for children

 Taking responsibility for personal professional development, keeping up-to-date with research

and developments which may lead to improvements in the counselling service provided,

arranging and delivering relevant training for staff as and when needs are identified.

 Meeting the requirements of the local regulatory body

 Contributing to the safe and smooth day to day running of the school

Person specification

Qualifications

CRITERIA ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

and training

Experience

Skills and

knowledge

In addition, all staff are required to carry out any tasks required by the school or the regional office

to facilitate the smooth day to day running of the school

To be line managed by the Heads of Primary and Secondary

Hours of work- 7.15am to 4.00 pm Monday to Thursday, and 7.15 am to 12 noon on Fridays plus

‘Amazing learning’

occasional evening and weekend work

Holidays- as per the school KHDA approved calendar

You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.

• Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for
  
  

learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual

learning, development and growth.

• Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed
  
  

goals and is focused on KPIs.

• Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.
• Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of
  
  

our students and their families.

• Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps
  
  

others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.

• Agile. Responds and adapts to changing circumstances; manages and solves problems by
  
  

providing solutions in a climate of ambiguity.

• Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and then plans,
  
  

organises, prioritises and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.

• Diversity & Equity. Has the sensitivity, awareness and skill to understand the values,
  
  

behaviours, attitudes and practices across cultures that supports all children and adults to

learn and work effectively.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and

expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence

search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the

previous 10 years' employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and

retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, age, disability status, neurodivergence,

socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision

and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly

encouraged to apply.

---