Preparatory School Counsellor

OUR SCHOOL:

Reddam House Waterfall is a co-educational and non-denominational environment designed to recognise, nurture and develop the individuality of each student placed in our care and to extend students to their maximum potential in all aspects of education.

Our teachers understand the need not only for the importance of teaching the required curriculum, but also for forming a relationship with your child, a relationship that is built on trust and mutual respect. The school’s architecture is perfectly suited to the rustic environment it finds itself in, with wood and stone-clad walls. The tranquil setting provides an atmosphere that is conducive to discovery and learning. Phase 1 of the Preparatory and Secondary School was opened in 2012 with 600 students and, with community confidence, the student body grew to more than 1000 students in 2013 and has continued to grow each subsequent year.

The school is designed ultimately to accommodate 2000 students. A caring, close-knit Reddam House community welcomes children from 1 year old to Grade 12. We nurture individuality, talent and self-assurance in a secure, relaxed and self-disciplined environment. Catering for Stage 1 to Grade 12 students, affiliated to the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) – and offering a diverse, stimulating subject choice – highly qualified, dynamic, experienced teachers are the custodians of your child’s future. 

ROLE SUMMARY:

The school counsellor promotes student success, provides preventive services, and responds to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counselling programme that addresses academic and personal/social development for all students.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Have thorough knowledge of relevant legislation, especially of The Children’s Act 58 of 2005
• Experience working with young students and adolescents and their families
• Experience in individual, group and family therapy, and in crisis intervention
• Ability to communicate confidently and competently in English, both spoken and written 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with an ability to build relationships and interact with individuals of different backgrounds
• Ability to provide confidential assessment, mediation and counselling services to students, and to offer support to staff and parents 
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team, one which focuses on the development and care of all students and staff 
• Willingness and ability to network with relevant organisations and professionals in the community
• Ability to address large groups e.g. students/staff/parents 
• Ability to contribute to professional development programmes for teachers, when required
• A broad, comprehensive awareness of the challenges facing young people in the world today
• Excellent administration skills; fully computer literate

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• Assists all students, individually or in groups, with developing academic, and personal/social skills, goals, and plans.

•     Ensures school’s Wellbeing Programme is fully immersed in school culture

        •     Provides individual and group counselling to students with identified concerns

               and needs.

• Consults and collaborates effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs.
• Implements an effective referral and follow-up process. Accurately and appropriately uses assessment procedures for determining and structuring individual and group counselling services.

• Monitors student academic performance, behaviour and attendance and assists with appropriate interventions.
• Small groups planned e.g. Grade 3 workshop on bullying for girls/boys
• Parent Workshops – 1 per term e.g. Building Resilience
• Available for Meetings:  Staff Development
• University qualification
• Certified SACE and Health Professional Qualification / Status
• Work closely with SENCO in the running of pastoral meetings, minutes and follow ups.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.