Learning Support & Wellbeing Counsellor

 Reports to: Head of Pastoral Care & DSL

Start Date: immediate start (November 2024)

Contract: Fixed-term, full-time (40 hours/week) until July 2025, with possibility of extension. 

Salary range: Commensurate with experience. £28,000-30,000 full-time equivalent.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Learning Support & Wellbeing Counsellor with QTS or equivalent who is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds. They will be responsible for providing instruction in learning strategies and building independence in students with diagnosed or emerging learning differences. Our mission is to nurture well-rounded, confident, and independent learners prepared to excel in a global community. Reporting to the Head of the Pastoral Care, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing social and emotional support to students of all age groups. This role also involves supporting the learning support team by developing effective strategies that promote student independence and cater to those with identified or emerging learning differences.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide social and emotional counselling to students, helping them develop skills for resilience and wellbeing.
• Provide instruction in learning strategies and build independence in students with diagnosed or emerging learning differences.
• Assess and create specific learning strategies using curriculum material, and encourage students to understand their own learning style and/or overcome their own challenges.
• Ensure Individual EHCPs show monitoring and progression
• Assist in designing and delivering the Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) curriculum.
• Serve as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader (dDSL), upholding the school’s commitment to student safety and welfare.
• Encourage students’ social and emotional growth through workshops, activities, and school-wide programmes.
• Develop and implement plans to manage critical incidents affecting students’ emotional wellbeing.
• Keep accurate, secure records of counselling sessions and follow up on student progress.
• Ensure adherence to ethical and legal standards regarding confidentiality and data protection.
• Organise sessions for students, parents, and staff on topics such as stress management, coping strategies, and cultural adaptation.
• Promote awareness of mental health and wellbeing throughout the school community.
• Establish connections with local mental health services and professionals for the school to refer students for additional support when necessary.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to remain informed about the latest research and techniques in school counselling.
• Participate in and lead assemblies and projects.
• Undertake ad-hoc duties requested by management.

Why work with us?

Join our outstanding bilingual international school, recognised for excellence in personal development, student behaviour, welfare, and Sixth Form provision. As a member of our talented and highly experienced teaching and support teams, you will be part of an award-winning institution, named Secondary School of the Year 2022 by the Independent Schools Association (ISA) and recognised with multiple accolades, including the Education Business Awards and Franco-British Business Awards. Our welcoming and innovative environment offers the perfect place to work, learn, and grow, all within a vibrant, easily accessible location.

Benefits

We can offer you a range of benefits, including:

• Attractive, enhanced holiday package (5.6 weeks + winter holidays + additional days)
• 85% tuition remission up to 2 children per family for full-time team members (prorated for part-time team members)
• HSF Health Plan (70% paid for by the school)
• HSF Health Plan Perkbox account
• Free loan of tablet/laptop device
• Free 3-course meal cooked fresh in our kitchen everyday during term time
• Fantastic workspaces and resources
• Comfortable and atmospheric staff spaces for social interactions (Zen Den, rooftop terrace, Staffroom with free coffees, fruit, sofas and pool table
• Professional development opportunities (internal and external)
• Enhanced paternity/maternity/parental leave
• Enhanced sick leave scheme
• Cycle to work scheme vouchers
• Social events and staff parties

What we are looking for

We look for talented individuals who want to be a part of a modern, bilingual, progressive and dynamic school which promotes excellence through care.

• QTS or equivalent.
• Ideally, a relevant qualifications in counselling, psychology, or a related field.
• Experience working in an educational setting, preferably in an international or bilingual school.
• Strong understanding of social-emotional development and effective intervention strategies.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• A proven commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children
• Ability to reflect upon your own practice; respond positively to constructive criticism
• Strong boundaries and excellent time management
• Experience and commitment to collaborative working in a team-focused environment
• Native-level English (ideally and French)
• High level of IT proficiency (G-suite) and commitment to the integration of technology in the service of learning and wellbeing.
• Commitment to contribute to school life.