School Counsellor (Permanent, Part time, 22.5 hours per week, term time only)
The purpose of the post-holder is to provide a high-quality counselling service to students as well as to staff needing support. The work of the School Counsellor will be coordinated by our Deputy Headteacher.
The role of School Counsellor will form part of our exceptional Student Support team. The purpose of the Student Support Team is to provide key support for the learning and welfare of all Students. Members of the team work at both the Tonbridge and Sevenoaks campuses.The team is led by the Deputy Headteacher and consists of a range of posts including SENCO’s, School Counsellors, School Nurse, Learning Mentors and Student Support Receptionists.
The Support Staff at Weald of Kent make a strong contribution to Students’ learning and achievement. Support Staff provide highly effective support and create additional capacity to Teachers, enabling them to make effective use of their time, professional knowledge, skills and understanding.
Accountabilities/Specific Duties:- Provide professional and efficient counselling for students.
- Use good communication skills to be able to inform, persuade, inspire and motivate students and provide feedback to other professionals and parents as required.
- Be familiar with and comply with a full range of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health & safety, security and confidentiality reporting all concerns to the appropriate person to ensure Students’ wellbeing.
- Contribute to the overall work/aims of the School, appreciating and supporting the role of colleagues and other professionals to enable the school to fulfil its development plans etc.
- Undertake training and other learning activities and attend relevant meetings as required to ensure own continuing professional develop.
- To work as part of the whole school team and contribute to the plans to ensure the school meets its aims.
- To undertake assessments with students.
Shortlist Interview Date: Friday 6 June 2025
Early applications are advised as the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. As this role involves 'regulated activity' with children the successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure application.Employment will be conditional upon the College being satisfied with the result of the Enhanced DBS check and the outcome of all other checks.
The School will also carry out a check of the Children's Barred List on the successful applicant. Applicants should be aware that it is unlawful for the School to employ anyone to work with children if they are barred from doing so, and it is a criminal offence for a person to apply to work with children if they are barred from doing so.
This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask shortlisted applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.