Purpose of the Role
The School Counsellor will play a vital role in supporting the emotional, social, and academic development of students at Fernways School, a special school catering to students with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and other complex needs. The position involves working closely with students, parents, and staff to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive school environment that fosters learning, personal growth, and well-being.
Please note this is a part time role of 2 days per week.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Student Support
* Provide individual and group counselling sessions to students, designed to address their emotional and behavioural challenges
* Develop tailored care plans to cater to the diverse needs of students, including those with ASC, SEMH, and other co-morbidities.
* Facilitate workshops and programmes on topics such as, but not limited to, stress management, conflict resolution, and study skills to support students' holistic development
* Maintain accurate records of counselling sessions and student progress, ensuring confidentiality
Collaboration and Communication
* Collaborate with school staff to promote a safe and inclusive environment for all students
* Communicate effectively with parents regarding their children's progress and any concerns that may arise.
* Work closely with the school's clinical team, including speech and language therapists and occupational therapists to provide a comprehensive support system for students.
Professional Practice and developmen t
* Adhere to relevant legislation, policies, and best practices regarding child protection and safeguarding.
* Engage in continuous professional development to stay up to date with the latest counselling techniques and approaches for working with students with SEMH needs
* Attend regular supervision.
* Participate in training as directed by the school leadership team.
* Collaborate with other clinicians in the team to enhance professional practice and share knowledge and best practice.
Safeguarding
The School Counsellor will be responsible for upholding the school's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. This includes:
* Adhering to the school's safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures
* Reporting any concerns or disclosures related to student safety or well-being to the designated safeguarding lead
* Participating in regular safeguarding training to ensure a thorough understanding of relevant legislation and best practice.
* Maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries when working with students and their families
* Promoting a culture of vigilance and a safe, nurturing environment for all students at Fernways School
Why work for us?
· a competitive salary and generous annual leave entitlement
· a comprehensive induction programme so you can hit the ground running
· continued professional development and training
· enhanced pension contributions
· a friendly, passionate team committed to getting the best outcomes for our young people
Benefits include:
· £500 refer-a-friend bonus
· OFSTED bonuses
· life assurance
· cycle to work scheme
· discounts on cinema trips, electronics, fashion, home and garden, travel, groceries, gifts, utilities, health and fitness
· birthday treats
· long service and employee of the month awards
· employee assistance and counselling service, wellbeing support and advice
· optional flu jab
About us:
Fernways School, part of Kedleston Group, is an independent specialist day school in Windlesham, Surrey, for children and young people aged between the ages of 7 and 16. We support children and young people with an autism spectrum condition. Our focus is on maximising every child’s potential to develop into a confident, resilient, and skilled young person who will make a positive contribution to society and live as independent a life as possible.
We look for people to join our staff team who have the creativity and enthusiasm needed to deliver the best outcomes for the children and young people.
Kedleston Group Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its children and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You will be expected to engage in annual safeguarding training, be familiar with key policies and ensure you know the steps to take should you be made aware of a safeguarding or child protection concern. You will remain vigilant and act swiftly if you have concerns about a child and be an appropriate role model for both children and colleagues at all times.
The successful candidate is required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check. We will ask you to complete a criminal self-declaration form, and we will conduct online searches for information that is publicly available. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:
We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you! Any unsolicited CV’s will be sent at the recruitment agency’s own risk and will be interpreted as ‘gifts’ and we have no liability to you for any fee or otherwise. We reserve the right to engage with candidates directly having not, in any way, entered into your terms and conditions for this vacancy. By submitting an unsolicited CV to us, or to any member of our staff, you accept these terms as the default position. If we require your assistance with any vacancy we will contact you.