COLLEGE COUNSELLOR Position Description
ST EDWARD’S COLLEGE ASPIRATION STATEMENT St Edward’s College aspires to provide students with a liberating education that empowers them to build a better world for all. St Edward’s College is a faith-filled community. We are committed to growth and strive for equity and excellence. St Edward’s College promotes a safe and inclusive learning community, committed to fostering right relationships and the well-being of students and staff. St Edward’s College inspires students to be compassionate, curious, respectful and autonomous learners. St Edward’s College students demonstrate resilience, discipline and perseverance on their learning journey.
THE POSITION
COLLEGE ETHOS
The College Counsellor (Psychologist/Social Worker) has responsibility for the provision of professional counselling, consultation and referral for students and their families in a manner which is consistent with the Charter for Edmund Rice Schools. In so doing, the College Counsellor demonstrates support for Catholic philosophy and values and promotes sound practices especially as they relate to the support of staff, students and their families. The College Counsellor reports to the Director of Pastoral Care, the College Principal and Deputy Principal, and is an integral member of the Pastoral Care team. Within this general principle, the Counsellor has the following specific responsibilities.
Support the College Ethos and values:
The College Counsellor is required to hold a current Working with Children Check. Counsellors who are qualified psychologists must maintain current registration with the Psychology Board of Australia through AHPRA and fulfil all continuing professional development requirements. Counsellors who are qualified social workers must maintain eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
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Demonstrate commitment to the Catholic ethos, mission and values of St Edward’s College.
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Actively support and promote the EREA Charter and Touchstones.
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Model the values of respect, compassion, justice, inclusion and dignity in all professional interactions.
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Foster a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where every student is known, valued and supported.
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Contribute positively to the faith, wellbeing and community life of the College.
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Support College policies, priorities and initiatives in a manner consistent with Edmund Rice traditions and values.
LIAISON AND SUPPORT Support the College by undertaking the following: •
Advise College leadership on matters relating to student welfare, mental health, risk management and wellbeing of members of the College community.
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Contribute to the development of a safe, inclusive and supportive College community.
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Participate as a member of the College’s Critical Incident Management Team.
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Promote and uphold all EREA College’s policies and guidelines.
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Fulfil all obligations as a Mandatory Reporter under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW).
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Support staff in the identification, documentation and reporting of child protection concerns.
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Collaborate with the Pastoral Team and other relevant school personnel and external agencies regarding student safety, wellbeing and risk management.
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Undertake other duties as requested by the Principal or that require the wellbeing of a student outside the scope of the counselling role eg attending camps, internal/external activities/events.
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Communicate relevant information regarding student wellbeing needs and support recommendations to parents, staff and external professionals, as appropriate and within the requirements of confidentiality, privacy legislation and professional standards.
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Facilitate referrals to appropriate external health, welfare and specialist services, and support families in accessing these services where required.
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Promote and contribute to a child-safe culture consistent with the NSW Child Safe Standards.
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Ensure student voice, participation and agency are respected in matters affecting their wellbeing, safety and educational engagement.
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Support the implementation and continuous improvement of child-safe practices across the College.
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Contribute to risk assessments and safety planning for vulnerable students.
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Conduct risk assessments relating to self-harm, suicidal ideation, abuse, trauma and other wellbeing concerns.
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Coordinate and develop appropriate safety plans, support strategies and referral pathways to appropriate external health, welfare and specialist services.
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Contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of wellbeing, resilience, mental health promotion and respectful relationships programs.
STUDENT COUNSELLING Support the College by providing counselling: •
Provide a professional counselling and case management service to students, supporting their social, emotional, behavioural and mental health needs.
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Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of preventative, educational and early intervention wellbeing programs.
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Assess referrals received from students, families, staff and external professionals, and determine appropriate interventions, supports and referral pathways.
PARENT AND STAFF SUPPORT
PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Support the College by undertaking the following:
Maintain the following professional requirements:
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Provide consultation and support to parents regarding student wellbeing, mental health and behavioural concerns.
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Maintain confidentiality while recognising legal, ethical and child protection obligations that may require disclosure of information.
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Assist families to access appropriate counselling, health and community support services.
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Provide clear information to students and families regarding the limits of confidentiality.
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Adhere to the standards and requirements of AHPRA or AASW, including ongoing professional development obligations.
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Seek consultation and specialist advice when
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Communicate relevant wellbeing information and recommendations to parents and staff within the requirements of confidentiality and professional standards. Contribute to parent education programs and wellbeing information sessions. Support staff through consultation, case discussions and advice regarding student wellbeing concerns. Contribute to professional learning and staff development in mental health, wellbeing, child protection and trauma-informed practice.
COMMUNITY NETWORKS
student needs exceed the scope of schoolbased services. •
Maintain and safeguard appropriate professional records.
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Maintain accurate, timely and secure records in accordance with privacy legislation, professional standards and College procedures.
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Document counselling interventions, risk assessments, referrals and wellbeing plans appropriately.
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Work collaboratively with Learning Support, Pastoral Care, College Leadership, external practitioners and families to develop coordinated support plans for students.
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Establish and maintain professional boundaries within the therapeutic relationship.
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Attend regular clinical supervision sessions.
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Attend, participate and maintain relevant community/professional networks.
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Maintain professional skills through activities such as reading, professional development,
AND CONSULTATION Support the College by providing the following: •
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Develop and maintain a positive network/ working relationship with local welfare agency personnel and health professionals. Coordinate and support case management processes within the school, working collaboratively with families and external agencies where appropriate. Refer to and consult with agencies when faced with situations which extend the boundary of the College’s competence or knowledge.
study, clinical supervision, peer-networking and/or peer supervision and self-evaluation.
Ultimately the College Counsellor is responsible to the Principal and, from time to time, may be asked to carry out other duties. The College Counsellor reports to the Principal through the Director of Pastoral Care and the Deputy Principal. Close collaboration is necessary at times with the Principal, Deputy Principal, Director of Pastoral Care and Pastoral Care Team.
ABOUT ST EDWARD’S COLLEGE The College was founded by the Christian Brothers and has been educating boys on the Central Coast since 1953, and is governed by EREA NSW Colleges Limited. The College provides a wonderfully rich education which is authentic to the values which underpin the touchstones for schools conducted in the traditions of Blessed Edmund Rice the founder of Christian Brothers schools worldwide. These touchstones being: Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity. St Edward’s first and foremost is a Catholic School which provides students with relevant and engaging opportunities to deepen their faith and spirituality. Students are encouraged to look beyond themselves
putting their faith into action. Through involvement in our social justice program students are challenged to become socially conscious, counter-cultural in their thinking and empowered to contribute positively to society through the promotion of inclusivity, justice and solidarity. Our Aspiration Statement articulates the type and quality of educational experiences that we offer our students. We aim to provide students with opportunities to develop skills of critical and creative thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration, in a safe learning environment in which they are challenged, nurtured and inspired to be the best that they can be.
“A learning community in which young people are challenged, nurtured and inspired to be the best that they can be.”
13 Frederick St, East Gosford, NSW 2250 (02) 4321 6400 info@stedwards.nsw.edu.au www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au