About Westminster
Westminster is a leading coeducational, Early Learning to Year 12, day and boarding Uniting Church school. We aspire to be the best school for an exceptional education, developing individuals of great character to achieve more than they thought possible. We want Westminster to have a world class reputation, renowned for a genuine focus on wellbeing, inspired by our values of kindness, resilience, mindfulness, curiosity, courageousness and inclusivity.
About the School Psychologist / Counsellor
Ideally commencing on 23 January 2023, this position is for up to 30 hours per week during school term times (39 weeks per year).
The School Psychologist/Counsellor reports directly to the Principal, however on a day to day basis will receive direction from the Head of Senior School and the Head of Wellbeing.
In our Wellbeing team of 4, this position works closely with the Pastoral Care team including the Heads of School, Heads of House, Heads of Boarding, School Nurses, the Chaplain and the Principal about issues related to students’ emotional wellbeing and the management of particular individual student needs.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Provide a specialised personal and educational counselling service for students across the School. Such counselling may be initiated by the students themselves, or by staff and/or parents.
- Support teachers with pastoral care responsibilities by providing in-servicing of staff in social, emotional or school safety issues.
- Engage in counselling of students on a one-to-one basis, referring to outside agencies as appropriate.
- Assist teachers and other staff who work with students with particular learning needs.
- Assist Head of Wellbeing to in-service staff in appropriate student Wellbeing programs.
- Contribute to the State’s counselling networks by taking part in conferences and committee work, for instance in the AIS, which may be deemed appropriate.
Key Selection Criteria: Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Tertiary qualifications in psychology or other appropriate qualification (eg Social Work, Occupational Therapy etc).
- Full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or relevant association.
- Possess professional counselling experience in an educational setting.
- Have awareness of the ethical and legal issues regarding the role of a professional in-school counsellor including: confidentiality; informed consent; appropriate disclosures; referral pathways; case note documentation and security.
- Be willing to adhere to the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) code of conduct. Being a member of the Association would be advantageous.
- Be able to effectively counsel students.
- Demonstrated effectiveness as a School Counsellor would be advantageous
If you are a highly skilled, experienced and qualified psychologist who is well versed on contemporary mental health matters affecting young people, along with excellent communication skills, we would welcome your application.
A position description is available on our website under Careers at www.westminster.school
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to Mr Simon Shepherd, Principal.
Applications close 9am 7th November 2022.
For further information, please contact [email protected]
Applications will only be accepted when submitted through Seek.
Westminster, where you can achieve more than you thought possible.
