Job Description

UWCSEA has an immediate vacancy for Relief Counsellor at its East Campus for a temporary cover until the end of June 2025.
The successful candidate will focus primarily on supporting the needs of students aged 12-18, with a focus on Middle School.
The successful candidate will join a thriving team of professionals serving the K12 population including our Boarding House students. Our counselling team offers a school-based, confidential, compassionate empowerment service that enhances student well-being and access to learning opportunities. Through both a preventative and responsive approach, counsellors support the social-emotional development of students and work collaboratively with parents and colleagues in times of individual or collective need.
Counsellors aim to provide a develop mentally appropriate service to best support student needs, which includes: the provision of confidential individual or group counselling, individual student planning and goal setting, information sessions and the creation and sharing of resources across the community; effective liaison with parents, teachers and external therapists, as well as classroom guidance and support.
Main Responsibilities
Students

• Provide a flexible approach that employs a range of therapeutic practices to meet individual needs relating to social, emotional or psychological well being.
• Counsel students referred by the Principal, Vice Principals, Heads of Grade, in close liaison with the relevant teacher/s and student support team. Counsel individuals who self-refer with an appropriate client centred approach.
• Counsel students referred by their parents and engage external counselling / psychological support agencies when appropriate. Provide both individual and group counselling sessions for students in need.

Staff

• Collaborate and consult with individual colleagues to foster the social and emotional development of students.
• Contribute to the professional learning program by offering workshops for colleagues relating to social and emotional well being on a needs basis. Work within a collaborative team in continuous development of the K12 Personal and Social Education Learning Program.
• Work as a collaborative member of the broader Student Support Team (ie: with Heads of Grade, Vice Principals, English as an Additional Language (EAL) Social Emotional Learning Specialist, teachers, teaching assistants, boarding parents, pedagogical coaches and Learning Support teachers). Support staff well being by providing initial support and connecting staff with appropriate community agencies for ongoing counselling and support. Liaise with our Senior Safeguarding Lead to keep staff informed of relevant laws and procedures in regard to Safeguarding and the welfare of students.
• Engage in regular peer supervision with the counselling team, as well as clinical supervision with an external supervisor

Parents

• Work collaboratively with parents and families where a need has arisen that affects student learning. Facilitate parent education sessions and development of resources for families.
• Provide referrals to external agencies as needed.

Assist with any other duties, tasks or jobs with similar levels of responsibility and complexity to the assigned job grade as may be reasonably requested by the line manager and/or the College.
Person Specifications

• A minimum qualification of a Master of Psychology, Master of Counselling or related field is required.
• Experience using a range of modalities to best meet student needs, including expressive therapies.
• Knowledge and experience in Child Protection and Safeguarding are essential.
• Collaborative style with colleagues, parents, external agencies and other staff to enhance effectiveness in supporting social and emotional wellbeing and access to learning opportunities.
• The ability to engage with students and to engender enthusiasm for learning is a prerequisite for working at UWCSEA.
• Enthusiasm about counselling within a multicultural environment is required. This includes a high level of interpersonal skills and the ability to develop positive working relationships with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Skills in conflict resolution and problem solving will be required as will the ability to respond effectively to crisis situations involving student welfare.
• Enthusiasm to participate in Professional Development, both that which is mandated by the College and that which is identified by the Counsellor.
• Willingness and eagerness to participate in the five key elements of a UWCSEA education: Academic; Personal and Social Education; Service; Activities; Outdoor Education.

Application
The UWC Mission is to make education a force to unite people, nations and culture for peace and a sustainable future. We are committed to creating a community in which all members feel safe and secure, and know that their authentic selves and individual differences are accepted with respect and care. At UWCSEA, we acknowledge that diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) is an ongoing and evolving process and strive to create and sustain a sense of belonging for all members of our community, past, present and future. All qualified applicants, including those who identify as a part of marginalized group(s) and individuals with (dis)abilities are all encouraged to apply. Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices and all appointments are subject to interview, satisfactory references, identity and criminal record checks.