College Counsellor

Maternity Leave Cover

(15 January 2024 to 14 June 2024)

Clayfield College is a leading independent school, owned and governed by the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) on behalf of the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches. The College is a co-educational day and boarding school in Clayfield, Brisbane, that offers boys and girls all the benefits of single-sex and co-education on one campus through the distinctive Parallel Learning model. Our education framework is intentionally structured to maximise students’ growth from Pre-Prep to Year 12. Clayfield provides outstanding opportunities beyond the regular curriculum, and across all ages, so every child has the opportunity to let their light shine.

The Position

 The College Counsellor provides integral support to the students at Clayfield College. The role entails a variety of tasks including counselling, assessment, education programs and wellbeing all focussed around providing confidential, proactive and advanced support. 

Professional Responsibilities

 Counselling and Support

• Contribute to the College’s strategic directions concerning the psychological, social and emotional wellbeing of students.
• Provide counselling and therapeutic interventions to students based on evidence based best practice.
• Provide consultative advice and support to parents and staff regarding the psychological, emotional, social and learning needs of students.
• Support and advise on the transitional needs of new students.
• Make referrals and liaise with outside agencies and professionals, when appropriate.
• Attend case conferences with parents, staff and external stakeholders regarding a student’s needs when required.

Assessment Services

• Communicate results from interventions to parents both orally and in writing when appropriate.
• Assist in the development of cognitive, physical, sensory and social-emotional plans when required.

Critical Incident Management

• Be an integral member of the Crisis Management Team and provide expertise in ensuring a critical incident is managed appropriately.

Education Programmes and Wellbeing

• Facilitate group work in areas that require targeted prevention or intervention 
• Provide consultation in the development and delivery of Wellbeing Programs relevant to the age appropriate needs of the Year Group.
• Provide consultation in the development and services of additional wellbeing sessions which may be held at the College.
• Provide professional development to staff on relevant topics as required.
• Deliver parent education presentations as required.

Reporting, Administration and Regulatory Requirements

• Maintain confidentiality and work within the accepted and written code of ethical and professional practice.
• Attend meetings such as (but not limited to) Head of House Team meetings and Pastoral Leadership Team meetings as required.
• Be responsible for recording and reporting on parent/ staff/ student discussions.
• Record, track and report on referral trends. 
• When required, complete and manage funding applications for students with disabilities.
• Participate where appropriate in the development of policies and procedures, within the area of competence of the counsellor.

Key Selection Criteria

• A degree/tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work or Counselling and relevant practicing experience.
• Working with Children and Police Clearance.
• Extensive experience working in the field of Adolescent Counselling.
• Knowledge and understanding of best practice in education and counselling.
• An understanding of the developmental needs of adolescents and young adults.
• To have or the ability to acquire and maintain a Positive Working with Children Check (Blue Card).

About You

• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• High level of optimism, enthusiasm and motivation.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Experience in a school setting will be highly regarded.

Applicants for this position must be supportive of the Christian aims and mission of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association and be able to contribute to the strategic vision of Clayfield College. 

Conditions and Salary 

• 38 Ordinary Hours per week to be worked Monday to Friday.
• Fixed-Term contract for the period 15 January 2024 to 14 June 2024.
• Term-Time – 20 working weeks.
• This role is a Wellbeing Services Level 6, as per Education Services (Schools) General Staff Award 
• Pro rata Annual leave and sick leave 

 How to Apply 

If you’re keen to apply your skills at a College undergoing rapid growth and transition, and we have described you in this advertisement, click the pink Quick Apply link with the following documentation included:

• Cover Letter address the Selection Criteria in a 1 page letter, and 
• Resume outlining your qualification and previous experience. 

Applications close: Saturday 07 October 2023

Clayfield College is a Child Safe organisation with a demonstrated commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children with a zero-tolerance approach to the abuse of children in our care. Successful candidates will be required to support the PMSA’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures and commit to their implementation upon commencement.