We are currently seeking a motivated, professional, qualified School Counsellor to fulfil a part-time contract in Term 4, 2022.  The counselling position is a 0.5 FTE.  

The position will be required to provide professional counselling services to the School community. The counselling role consists of approximately 6-8 appointments per week plus administration, record keeping and follow up associated with these appointments. FTE.

As the School Counsellor you will be required to provide counselling services to school students and a consultation service to staff which may include issues relating to individual students and families, mental health issues in relation to learning and behaviour in the classroom and mental health issues in general.  This position is not designed to provide long-term counselling but rather early intervention and assistance. Students requiring further counselling are referred to external professionals for ongoing support.

To be able to qualify for the position applicants must have the following qualifications and competencies.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Counselling.
• Current registration with Australian Counselling Association or Queensland Guidance and Counselling Association.
• Current First Aid and CPR certificates are required and must be kept up to date.
• A COVID-19 digital certificate or immunisation history statement demonstrating you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Competencies, Knowledge & Skills 

• Highly developed counselling and assessment skills.
• Extensive experience in working with adolescents and their families.
• Excellent understanding of mental health issues which confront adolescents, their families and schools.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills with a range of people including students, parents, guardians, staff and external professionals.
• Customer service focus with an attention to detail.
• Understanding of legislation and experience in the implementation of the relevant Acts of Parliament relating to child protection.
• Time management skills.
• Ability to affirm the unique worth of each student.
• Advanced interpersonal, communication and listening skills.

Desirable Competencies, Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to reflect and evaluate counselling and/or teaching practices. 
• Basic understanding of occupational health and safety and anti-discriminatory practices. 

The key accountabilities of the School Counsellor includes:

School Counsellor

1. Students and families
   • Short term counselling for students, their families and staff.
   • Referral to outside professionals as appropriate.
   • Conduct goal oriented counselling sessions.
   • Provide intervention/support in crisis situations.
2. Liaison and Consultation
   • Consultation with school staff regarding the mental health and wellbeing of individual students.
   • Participation in support teams providing individual programs for students.
   • Liaison with external mental health professionals and agencies.
   • Consultation and advice to the school regarding mental health.
3. Student Wellbeing
   • Collaboration with Heads of Senior, Middle and Junior School, Director and Heads of Boarding, Heads of House, Middle School Deans and teaching staff. 
   • Assistance with the development and implementation of student wellbeing programs. 
   • Assistance with the development and implementation of a school policy for student referrals to prevent the School Counsellor performing a Head of House’s pastoral role.
   • Presentations to students, staff and families as required. 
   • Provide group counselling to target populations.

Administration

• The maintenance of accurate, secure and confidential case files and statistics.
• Quality, accurate word processing of various confidential student reports.
• Provide high standards of accurate record and note keeping and data entry into TASS, Teacher Kiosk and Teams.

Pastoral

• To maintain confidentiality in respect of students and their parents at all times. To regard information learned about students and families in the school as strictly confidential and not be discussed with anyone other than the Head of Senior School. 
• Be aware of special/additional needs, cultural, linguistic, religious, gender, language diversities and socio-economic differences and treat each child with dignity and respect.

All staff at Cathedral are expected to support the philosophies of the School, must either hold or be able to obtain a Blue Card and/or be registered with the Queensland College of Teachers.

Further information and a detailed position description can be found under the “Employment” section on the school’s website, www.cathedral.qld.edu.au.

Applying for the Position

Applicants wishing to apply for the position are required to submit a cover letter and resume outlining their experience providing 3 work references to which the school can contact. 

Please send applications to:

Human Resources

The Cathedral School

Email: [email protected]