Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School – Morwell VIC
The role of the Counsellor at Sacred Heart School provides an important function within the school community in providing support for the students and being accountable to the principal in enacting the school’s Mission and Vision, implementing the Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support and ensuring the school meets its moral, ethical and legal responsibilities in providing pastoral care to families.
The Counsellor’s primary role is to conduct counselling services to the school’s students and their families.
The Counsellor works collaboratively with the Principal, Senior Leader, Learning Adjustment Leader, classroom teachers and the new coordinator of Mental Health in Primary School (MHiPS) and other staff as required to provide support for children and their families.
The Counsellor provides counselling services to families and students who require support in a wide range of areas that can be described broadly as well-being. This may take the form of individual, family, group sessions and referrals to other agencies and specialists. The Counsellor may also work with groups of students and classroom teachers to meet the specific needs of a cohort of students. The Counsellor, in consultation with other staff, will also refer students to appropriately qualified professionals in instances that require a higher level of expertise.
Role Description - The Counsellor’s role includes but is not limited to:
Counselling service:
* Provide counselling services to the students and their families and engage actively with parents.
* Provide opportunities for individual and/or group counselling for families and students and implement intervention strategies when needed.
* Provide referrals for parents to services such as Orange Door, Mensline, Lifeline, National Debt Hotline.
* Provide resources and handouts on relevant topics, e.g., sleeping, anxiety, stepfamilies, love languages, grief & loss, habit reversal therapy, separation & divorce, mindfulness. These resources have been created by our Counselling Team.
* Provide information to parents/staff about local parenting courses.
* Problem solving that involves identifying and analysing diverse problems and applying appropriate decision-making.
Working as part of a team:
* Work collaboratively with other staff members to provide support for students and families in need of Tier 2 & 3 support.
* Provide emotional support to staff and provide referrals to staff for counselling services – both through DOSCEL and in the local area.
* Actively work for the school community to assist in creating a culturally inclusive and supportive environment.
* Advise the Principal of any mandatory reports made to authorities as a matter of urgency.
* Contribute to the development of the school’s approach to Positive Behaviour.
* Work under the general guidance from senior staff including the principal and deputy principal.
* Develop school partnerships with agencies such as the Catholic Education Office Sale, Child First, suitably qualified specialists and local groups that may provide appropriate support for the families.
* Present to staff meetings, Professional Learning Teams, whole school in-service conferences and parent workshops, as required.
Policy, Procedure and Reporting:
* Follow and keep up to date with Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited policies, especially those regarding Mandatory Reporting, Child Safety, Disability, FVISS, CISS and other related policies.
* Liaise with government agencies and service providers.
* Maintain and keep confidential and accurate records of reports to Department of Human Services, Victoria Police and other agencies.
* Participate in leadership formation activities, professional learning experiences and professional development including annual first aid training.
Special Requirements:
* Should have a Diploma or equivalent qualification in Counselling services.
* Qualified to administer First Aid or have a willingness to attain this qualification.
How to apply:
Applications are to include a one-page cover letter addressed to the Principal and a CV that includes three professional referees. Applications are to be emailed to *********@shmorwell.catholic.edu.au.
Applications close 15th November 2024. Please note: the interview process may commence prior to the closing date and, if a suitable applicant is found, the role may close early. We would encourage applications to be received as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Sacred Heart Primary School is committed to the safety, wellbeing, participation, and empowerment of children. Staff are required to adhere to the School’s Code of Conduct, Child Safety Policy and Procedure, the Mandatory Reporting Policy and be committed to the safety and wellbeing of children.
The successful applicant must have the right to work in Australia.
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