POSITION DESCRIPTION School Counsellor

Organisation Profile

Kamaruka is a specialist school in located in South Yarra.

Kamaruka caters to boys from Years 2 to Year 10. The program offered at Kamaruka is designed for neurodivergent boys, such as those diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and high functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

OVERVIEW

• Title School Counsellor
• Campus Primary and Secondary
• Reports To Principal
• Primary Location 52 River St South Yarra/38 River St South Yarra
• FTE 0.88
• 9am to 3:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
• 9am to 4pm Wednesday

POSITION DETAILS

This role is to work across the school with students from Grade 2 to Year 10.

POSITION PURPOSE

The School Counsellor plays a vital role in addressing the safety, social and emotional needs of the students at Kamaruka. They provide support and guidance to students and parents/caregivers who are experiencing mental health and social issues that are impacting students’ ability to successfully engage in education. They do this by delivering appropriate, evidence-based, therapeutic interventions to support and improve mental health outcomes with the goal of successful school engagement. The school counsellors assist other Kamaruka staff by providing specialist information and knowledge to meet the needs of students who require extra support. Supporting teachers to implement agreed evidence-based strategies while in the classroom to maximise student engagement in the teaching and learning programs.

The School Counsellor support students to regulate their emotions while in the classroom to maximise their engagement in the teaching and learning program.

PREREQUISTES

Commitment to Child Safety

• A demonstrated understanding of child safety
• A demonstrated understanding of appropriate behaviour when engaging with children
• Familiarity with legal obligations relating to child safety (e.g., Mandatory reporting)

Education and Experience

• Minimum Bachelor level qualification in Social Work, Counselling, Youth Work, Psychology with eligibility for membership of relevant professional body
• Current Working with Children Check
• Knowledge of the Child Safe Standards and ability to adhere to and proactively support them.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES

• Providing counselling to students
• Referral to external agencies for assistance where required
• Communicate with staff about student welfare issues
• Assistance with programs as required to assist with student welfare needs
• Assessment of students at risk and development of safety plans where required and in conjunction with the Behaviour Support Officer.
• Maintenance of professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops
• Ability to run restorative sessions and small social skills groups

REQUIRED ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS

• The ability to dialogue with staff in a collegial manner to achieve improved learning outcomes for students.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills including a demonstrated ability to work and communicate within a team environment.
• Ability to always demonstrate professional conduct and discretion.
• Experience in working with children, adolescents and families
• Experience in an educational setting
• Strong communication and documentation skills
• The ability to teach SEL classes an advantage