School Counsellor - Distance Education

Arcadia College is seeking an experienced and compassionate School Counsellor – Distance Education to join our dedicated wellbeing team and provide individualised support to students requiring more intensive counselling, assessment, intervention and case management.

Our Distance Education program supports young people who may have disengaged from traditional schooling or require a more flexible approach to education. This role provides an opportunity to work closely with students, families, teachers and wellbeing professionals to help young people overcome barriers to engagement and achieve positive educational and wellbeing outcomes.

Reporting to the Senior Psychologist – Distance Education, you will work as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team and provide professional advice and support to staff, students and families. You will also develop and maintain strong referral pathways with external clinicians, Child Safety, government and community service providers and other relevant support organisations.

This is an important role within our Distance Education team, supporting some of our students with the most complex wellbeing and engagement needs.

The School Counsellor will provide counselling, intervention and case management to students requiring additional support, while working collaboratively with staff and external services to ensure students receive coordinated and appropriate support.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide counselling, assessment, intervention and case management for students requiring additional support
• Support and case manage high-risk students, including students with complex wellbeing and engagement needs
• Support the engagement and re-engagement of students who may be at risk of disengaging from Distance Education
• Develop, review and provide input into student education support plans and individual support plans
• Monitor student wellbeing, attendance and engagement and implement appropriate support strategies
• Provide advice, support and resources to staff working with students with high-level or complex needs
• Support mandatory reporting and child protection processes, including documentation follow-up through Kissflow and notification to the Principal
• Case manage students under the care of Child Safety, including providing advice to the school leadership team
• Manage and maintain appropriate referral processes and pathways for students requiring additional support
• Build and maintain effective relationships with students, families and carers
• Liaise with external clinicians, Child Safety Officers and representatives, NGOs, government service providers and relevant youth mental health services
• Work closely with the Principal, Deputy Principal, Senior Psychologist and Head of Wellbeing to ensure appropriate services are available to students and staff
• Collaborate with the EAP Officer where appropriate
• Provide crisis management advice and leadership when required
• Support key stakeholders with NCCD documentation as required
• Provide advice and support to staff regarding students diagnosed with disability
• Ensure information regarding relevant support programs and services is communicated to staff and remains current and relevant
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential case notes and student records
• Build and foster relationships with external services and community organisations to support ongoing referral pathways
• Work within the ethical and professional requirements of your relevant governing body
• Work collaboratively across the Distance Education environment and adapt support strategies to meet the needs of students accessing education remotely
• Contribute to strategies that improve the attendance, engagement and wellbeing outcomes of at-risk young people

Why Join Arcadia College?

You will join a supportive and collaborative environment where your professional knowledge and contribution are valued. You will work alongside experienced education, wellbeing and leadership professionals and have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people who may require a different approach to education and support.

Arcadia College is committed to promoting a safe, inclusive and culturally responsive environment for all students, with the safety and wellbeing of children and young people prioritised across all aspects of our operations.

We are looking for a professional, compassionate and highly organised counsellor who can work effectively with young people experiencing complex wellbeing and engagement challenges.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Relevant qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling or a related discipline
• A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work or Counselling is highly desirable
• Current AHPRA registration or registration with the relevant professional body is highly desirable
• Previous experience in a similar school counselling, counselling, psychological intervention or student wellbeing role
• Demonstrated experience in psychological intervention and assessment
• Demonstrated experience in counselling and case management
• Experience supporting young people experiencing complex wellbeing, social, behavioural or engagement challenges
• Understanding of the issues facing young people who are at risk or disengaged from traditional education
• Strong understanding of child protection and mandatory reporting requirements in an education setting
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement appropriate support and intervention strategies
• Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with students, staff, parents/carers and external stakeholders
• Ability to develop strong working relationships at all levels
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise the most critical matters
• Ability to self-manage workload and meet deadlines
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely case notes and records
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to translate broad goals into achievable steps
• Ability to anticipate and solve problems and identify opportunities to improve student outcomes
• Strong IT and digital communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within a Distance Education environment
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• A genuine commitment to supporting young people to re-engage with education
• Comfortable working with diversity and respectful of a wide range of faiths, beliefs, morals, ethics and experiences
• Ability to collaborate with staff in a respectful and meaningful way
• Alignment with Arcadia College’s values, mission and vision

Experience working in Distance Education, flexible learning, re-engagement programs, Special Assistance Schools or other alternative education settings will be highly regarded.

Applications should include a current resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Arcadia College is committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and young people. We promote a safe, inclusive and culturally responsive environment across all aspects of our schools and operations.

Position may be filled prior to the advert closing date.