THE POSITION
The College is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Secondary Counsellor in a fixed term Contract capacity commencing January 16 and concluding December 1 2023. It is preferred that the successful applicant holds Graduate or post graduate qualifications in Psychology. This position is responsible to the Deputy Head of Secondary (Students) and ultimately to the CEO & Executive Principal. All staff are employed by the CEO & Executive Principal of MBC and MBBC.
The Counsellor at Moreton Bay College (MBC) will deal with a broad range of counselling issues and in that regard, will demonstrate an ability to appreciate and support the needs of Year 7 to 12 students at the College. The Counsellor will provide a unique source of expertise and experience in child and adolescent psychology and therefore, will require, advanced individual and group counselling skills and competent interpersonal and personal abilities. This position also requires a background which includes skills and knowledge in the area of psycho-educational assessment and intervention and experience in developing and delivering wellbeing programs and presentations.
THE PASTORAL CONTEXT
Pastoral Care at MBC prioritises personal wellbeing and the development of quality relationships. Pastoral Care is integral to all aspects of daily life at MBC.
The College aims, through its Pastoral Care System, to provide opportunities for the development of positive relationships and wellbeing. It further aims to support all members of the community as they pursue the College values through word and deed and in turn, professional growth and personal excellence.
The Pastoral Care System involves all members of the community, and a specific staff structure to explicitly focus on the development of outstanding pastoral care in the College.
A restorative approach is used to build and maintain positive relationships and knowledge and experience in restorative practice would be an advantage in this position.
MBC takes an evidence-based approach to student wellbeing through our Hearts and Minds Wellbeing Framework. It is expected that the Counsellor develop an understanding of the framework and the role it plays in the holistic education of MBC students.
MBC has a Year 7 to 12 wellbeing curriculum called the Positive Minds Program, which seeks to be proactive in supporting the wellbeing of students. A carefully sequenced, developmentally appropriate wellbeing curriculum, the Positive Minds Program also addresses the social-emotional needs of students and aligns with other College programs with the aim of developing the MBC graduate attributes, attitudes and skills in our students. It is expected that the Counsellor develop an understanding of the content of the Positive Minds Program to enhance their work with secondary students.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Counsellor will:
The College is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Secondary Counsellor in a fixed term Contract capacity commencing January 16 and concluding December 1 2023. It is preferred that the successful applicant holds Graduate or post graduate qualifications in Psychology. This position is responsible to the Deputy Head of Secondary (Students) and ultimately to the CEO & Executive Principal. All staff are employed by the CEO & Executive Principal of MBC and MBBC.
The Counsellor at Moreton Bay College (MBC) will deal with a broad range of counselling issues and in that regard, will demonstrate an ability to appreciate and support the needs of Year 7 to 12 students at the College. The Counsellor will provide a unique source of expertise and experience in child and adolescent psychology and therefore, will require, advanced individual and group counselling skills and competent interpersonal and personal abilities. This position also requires a background which includes skills and knowledge in the area of psycho-educational assessment and intervention and experience in developing and delivering wellbeing programs and presentations.
THE PASTORAL CONTEXT
Pastoral Care at MBC prioritises personal wellbeing and the development of quality relationships. Pastoral Care is integral to all aspects of daily life at MBC.
The College aims, through its Pastoral Care System, to provide opportunities for the development of positive relationships and wellbeing. It further aims to support all members of the community as they pursue the College values through word and deed and in turn, professional growth and personal excellence.
The Pastoral Care System involves all members of the community, and a specific staff structure to explicitly focus on the development of outstanding pastoral care in the College.
A restorative approach is used to build and maintain positive relationships and knowledge and experience in restorative practice would be an advantage in this position.
MBC takes an evidence-based approach to student wellbeing through our Hearts and Minds Wellbeing Framework. It is expected that the Counsellor develop an understanding of the framework and the role it plays in the holistic education of MBC students.
MBC has a Year 7 to 12 wellbeing curriculum called the Positive Minds Program, which seeks to be proactive in supporting the wellbeing of students. A carefully sequenced, developmentally appropriate wellbeing curriculum, the Positive Minds Program also addresses the social-emotional needs of students and aligns with other College programs with the aim of developing the MBC graduate attributes, attitudes and skills in our students. It is expected that the Counsellor develop an understanding of the content of the Positive Minds Program to enhance their work with secondary students.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Counsellor will:
- Plan, negotiate and provide a comprehensive counselling program and psychological services that are specific to the social-emotional needs of secondary students and the socio-cultural context of the College community.
- Provide timely and authoritative assessment recommendations and advice to clients and stakeholders concerning complex educational and personal issues.
- Investigate and assess a wide range of learning and adjustment issues referred by administrators, teachers, parents, clients and other agencies.
- Be familiar with and adhere to detailed procedures for efficient and professional processes of referral, implementation of services, and reporting mechanisms that account for the sensitivity and complexity of presenting concerns, the judgement to balance the ethical issues of confidentiality of each client with the need to inform others, and the significance of legal implications associated with the provision of incorrect or inappropriate information, advice or action.
- Maintain a comprehensive and professional record keeping system that complies with policy and legal requirements of parental and legal access to official records.
- Contribute to the review and implementation of the College’s Positive Minds Program.
- Maintain a close working relationship with the other Secondary Counsellor’s to ensure secondary students have access to appropriate social-emotional support.
- Work closely with members of the Pastoral Team including the College Chaplain and Heads of House.
- Attend relevant professional development sessions to maintain an awareness of emerging and contemporary issues.
- Assist the Secondary Leadership Team in research and development and any other areas commonly agreed upon.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Well developed organisational and administrative skills
- Strong, effective communication skills
- The capacity to work as a team member
- Excellent time management skills
- Student counselling experience
- Experience in assessing and managing student risk
- Knowledge of Child Safety reporting obligations and procedures
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Graduate or post graduate Psychology qualification
- Experience in counselling secondary age students is mandatory, and experience with primary age students would be an advantage
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- Full registration as a psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Teacher registration is not a prerequisite for this role
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The Counsellor will be provided with an individual office inclusive of desk, computer and filing cabinet.
- All classrooms are air-conditioned.
CONDITIONS AND SALARY
- Salary to be negotiated upon appointment
- The College operates a 10 day-cycle
- Sick Leave entitlement of 10 days annually
- Pro-rata 4 weeks annual leave
- Long Service Leave entitlement of 1.3 weeks for each year of service, which can be taken after 7 years.
- The College contributes superannuation on behalf of the employee.
APPLICATION
Suitable applicants should apply by submitting an application in ONE PDF document that combines each of the following:
- a statement of reasons why you are applying for this position;
- a current CV that clearly details experience, particularly in relation to the above skills and abilities;
- any additional information you may wish to submit; and
- the names and contact details of three professional referees.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT AS ONE PDF DOCUMENT
Please note :
All applicants must declare
- any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions that would prevent you from performing this job;
- any convictions of any criminal offences; and
- that all information supplied is accurate and complete.
Applications close 9:00 am Friday, 11 November 2022
Please note: only those applicants shortlisted will be contacted after the closing date.