Counsellor Secondary School (Maternity leave cover)

The Counsellor provides students with the skills in the personal -, social -, emotional – and academic domains to foster optimal adjustment and development throughout school and prepare for readiness to transition into life after school.

This position participates in a team of counsellors and collaborates alongside other specialists. Aspects of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:

Prevention (Care plan Level one):

• Contributing to the implementation of a Universal School-Based Prevention Programme (Universal Prevention) for students, Directors, Heads of Department and Heads of Year (pastoral staff), tutors/classroom teachers,residence mentors and outside agencies: Monitor that the programme is evidence-based and effectively targets the development of appropriate social, emotional and academic readiness skills
• Support tutors and teachers in their delivery of care to students (e.g. identify helpful resources, provide training opportunities, support with monitoring and tracking).
• Being integrated and visible within the wider school community (i.e. participating in activities such as day trips/camps, attending staff meetings, being present at parents’ evenings and other social functions)
• Participating in, coordinating, and conducting activities that contribute to the effective operation of the counselling program (e.g., advertising the services; evaluation and planning)

Contribute to Professional Development sessions as requested by the Deputy Director of Student Wellbeing

Prevention (Care Plan Level two):

Designing, implementing and delivering targeted services (Targeted Prevention):

• Observations and communication with teachers to identify specific needs of students
• Implement evidence-based programmes for targeted small group
• Early intervention, preventative counselling meetings to support students whose difficulties have the potential to escalate.
• Consulting with teachers, parents/guardians, and other staff regarding the needs of the students.

Support and training to other UWCM staff as part of universal support, on topics including:

• Referral to school-based counselling services
• Early detection of signs of Childhood Abuse and Neglect, and Safeguarding Procedures
• Techniques for socio-emotional support within the classroom
• Behavioral classroom management techniques
• Training for tutors/ residence mentors as requested by the leadership team

Intervention (Care Plan Level three):

• Provide individual counselling in accordance with laws and regulations in the Netherlands and international best practice (e.g., ASCA guidelines) such as crisis intervention and counselling of students with identified socio-emotional needs as needed.
• Assume an advocate role for each student’s socio-emotional wellbeing at UWCM by being responsible for appropriate information dissemination and by contributing to the design, implementation, monitoring and adjustment of individual support plans.,
• Referring to outside professionals and liaising with outside agencies, such as School Doctors, RIAGG and General Practitioners.
• Collaborating with caregivers (e.g., provide parent guidance and regular contact).
• Evaluating the efficacy of interventions on an ongoing basis.