Primary objective

School counsellors provide support to schools to improve the wellbeing and safety of students through evidence-based interventions. The school counsellor collaborates closely with a school’s wellbeing team and families and plays a vital role in promoting wellbeing, inclusion and attendance through using a multi-tiered system of support. Through offering whole school/class support, small group interventions and individual counselling, the school counsellor builds strong partnerships within the school community and contributes to a positive, supportive environment that enhances student outcomes for all learners.

Context statement

Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services is part of Inclusion and Engagement Services, which provides differentiated support services to reform inclusion and improve engagement and access to learning for children, students and communities. SWIPS provides advice, guidance and support to clients and stakeholders to ensure all children and students are welcomed into an inclusive learning environment and are able to engage effectively with education and learn to their full potential. Family Inclusive Practice is a key focus, fostering strong school, family and community partnerships to enhance student wellbeing and success.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. In collaboration with the school’s wellbeing team and families deliver social, emotional, and wellbeing services to ensure timely support for all students.
2. Deliver differentiated supports that improve the wellbeing and safety of children and students through whole school, whole class, small group and individual level interventions.
3. Works closely with the school and families to ensure family inclusive practices are embedded and parental consent is obtained for group work and short-term case work/counselling.
4. Maintain high standards of practice documentation and records management and ensure adherence to the legislation, policy frameworks, guidelines and practice standards and maintain accurate record utilising the department databases.
5. Consult with schools and families to evaluate student functioning and impacting issues to facilitate access and participation in order to maximise educational outcomes for students.
6. Participate in compulsory training to maintain current practice knowledge and ensure adherence to departmental policies.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. An Australian degree or diploma in Counselling that meets full eligibility requirements for membership with the Australian Counselling Association, Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, Australian Community Counselling Association, OR approved social work qualification for eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers, OR psychology qualifications that enable full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (through AHPRA).
2. Comprehensive knowledge, experience and qualifications to provide a variety of social emotional and wellbeing services appropriate for individual, group and whole school level supports for children and young people with additional needs, including current evidence-based practice and experience in managing self-harm and suicide risk including safety planning.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of counselling theory and techniques, and proven ability to apply these techniques using culturally appropriate approaches to support students’ emotional, social, and educational development.
4. Proven ability to work independently under limited direction and in collaboration with the school’s wellbeing team to support complex student need and strong relationship/knowledge of when to refer to specialist services when outside the scope of education services.
5. Strong organisational skills with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and commitment and drive to persist and achieve desired outcomes.
6. Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse professional, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, which includes ethnic, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Desirable

1. Recognised graduate or post graduate degree in Counselling, Social Work or Psychology
2. Experience working as a counsellor in a school setting, and/or with children and young people.

Further information

All applicants are required to hold a current Working with Children Notice (Ochre Card) from SAFE NT or have the ability to obtain. School Counsellors may be required to travel between schools and corporate offices in urban or regional areas and may require travel by four-wheel drive vehicle. Four-wheel drive training will be provided by the NT Department of Education and Training.

Contact officer: Sue Trembath, Assistant Director on 0474 316 926 or sue.trembath@education.nt.gov.au using the subject line: School Counsellor - Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services - Maningrida enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.