School Counsellor–The Lakes College, Blue Haven/Central Coast

Summary about this job

Detail information about job School Counsellor–The Lakes College, Blue Haven/Central Coast. Terms and conditions vacancy

• Permanent Part Time opportunity, 3 days per week
• Opportunity to make a difference
• Competitive Salary plus NFP Salary Packaging Options

• Permanent Part Time opportunity, 3 days per week
• Opportunity to make a difference
• Competitive Salary plus NFP Salary Packaging Options  

The Organisation:

Youth Off The Streets is a non-denominational community organisation working for disadvantaged young people who may be homeless, drug dependent and / or recovering from  abuse. Youth Off The Streets supports these young people as they work to turn their lives around and overcome immense personal trauma such as neglect, physical, psychological and / or emotional abuse.

It is our goal that these young people will leave our care drug free, with a high school education, living skills and a full-time or part-time job in hand.

The Role:

The role of School Counsellor is to provide a counselling service to students and their families thereby assisting them to develop to their potential and take responsibility for their life choices through participation in Youth Off The Streets programs.

This position is aligned with Level 2 of the Australian Counselling Association Scope of Practice for registered Counsellors.

This position reports to the School Manager and is a permanent part time role working 3 days per week, located at The Lakes College, Blue Haven/Central Coast.

The Lakes College is an alternative high school dedicated to providing tailored and focused education for students who may be at risk of falling behind in mainstream schooling. Our accredited high school is designed for young people as a transitional program and is targeted at students who are motivated to complete their Year 9 course, Year 10 ROSA or students who need further opportunities to develop workplace skills in an alternative setting.  

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Initiate and provide opportunities for students to engage so they feel comfortable to seek assistance, to facilitate growth and change while in our services
• Develop strong rapport with students to ‘break down’ boundaries to counselling and establish an effective therapeutic relationship
• Deliver clinical counselling services and refer to an appropriate service
• Coordinate and deliver early intervention strategies and case management
• Maintain appropriate assessment tools on behalf of Youth Off The Streets
• Facilitate access to and obtain assessments and documentation required for Special Assistance Schools funding applications
• Assist in the development and review of Behaviour Management and Individual Learning Plans
• Offer counselling, psychological support and/or referral to parents/carers of students to support their social, emotional and educational development
• Maintain up-to-date documentation concerning students and provide reports as required for internal and external purposes
• Maintain training and continue professional development
• Provide professional development  to education staff on relevant mental health issues
• Provide support and mentoring to other levels of counsellors and/or counsellors on placements as required
• Liaise with other mental health professionals and colleagues working in programs/services
• Participate in any other activities as agreed with the service managers (e.g. school camps, excursions etc.)
• Provide a monthly report and activity summary to the School Manager
• Fulfil professional and clinical supervision requirements
• Commitment to completion of YOTS mandatory training modules
• Exercise due diligence to prevent young people being exposed to harm

Essential Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling (minimum AQF Level 7)
• ACA-registered Counsellor at Level 2
• Minimum 2 years of post-qualification supervised practice
• Commitment to ongoing professional development (25 points) and supervision (10 hours) per membership year
• Able to maintain confidentiality within a recognised theoretical framework
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written
• Experience working with students who present with learning difficulties or intellectual disability
• Experience working with students who are in Out Of Home Care,  have complex mental health needs and Alcohol and Other Drug issues
• Experience working with culturally diverse groups
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation pertaining to students and their families
• Possess a thorough understanding of the mandatory child protection reporting procedures and values that underpin a child safe organisation
• Have an understanding of adolescent development
• Current and valid NSW Drivers Licence and Working with Children Check
• Able to offer mentoring to counsellors on placement

Desirable Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in direct service provision with students in an educational setting
• Knowledge of and familiarity with the Central Coast Area

This is  a rare opportunity to join a passionate and high profile not for profit organisation that values the current youth of today and the youth of tomorrow.

 Applications Close 3 August 2018

Please send your resume through to [email protected]

Only those selected for short-listing may be contacted. Successful applicants will require a full probity check.

Recruiters need not make contact.