School Counsellor

LOCATION
International College Spain, Madrid

JOB TITLE
School Counsellor

JOB PURPOSE

The Secondary Counsellor supports the social, emotional and academic wellbeing of students in the Secondary School. Working as part of the Counselling Team, the post-holder provides professional counselling services, contributes to whole-school wellbeing initiatives, and works closely with students, families and staff to ensure that all students are able to thrive and fully access the educational programme at International College Spain.

REPORTING TO
Head Counsellor and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and works in close collaboration with the Secondary Leadership Team.

OTHER KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Counselling Team, Grade Level Leaders, Students, parents/guardians, Teachers, Learning Support Team,.

REMUNERATION
Competitive

KEY RESULT AREA

Counselling and Student Support

· Provide individual counselling to students who are self-referred or referred by pastoral staff or safeguarding leads.

· Support students’ emotional wellbeing, self-awareness and resilience, enabling them to manage challenges that may affect their learning or personal development.

· Draw on a range of counselling approaches appropriate to the needs of individual students.

Crisis and Risk Management

· Provide counselling support in response to critical incidents or crises affecting individuals or the wider school community.

· Contribute to the development and implementation of risk assessments and support plans for students requiring higher levels of intervention.

· Work collaboratively with internal and external professionals where appropriate.

· Balance student confidentiality with safeguarding and parental communication responsibilities in line with school policy.

Referral and Liaison

· Refer students to external specialists (e.g. psychologists, psychiatrists) when concerns indicate a risk to wellbeing, in consultation with the DSL, school leadership and families.

· Liaise closely with parents/guardians, pastoral leaders and teachers to ensure a coordinated and supportive approach.

Whole-School Wellbeing

· Actively contribute to the promotion of wellbeing across the Secondary School community.

· Support the delivery and development of the ICS Wellbeing Curriculum, wellbeing-related initiatives, workshops and learning opportunities for students, staff and parents.

· Contribute to the embedding of positive wellbeing practices within school life.

· Use wellbeing data to identify trends and inform preventative interventions within the Secondary School.

Consultation and Collaboration

· Consult with staff who refer students to gain a shared understanding of student needs and appropriate strategies.

· Participate in case conferences and multi-disciplinary meetings for students requiring additional support.

· Share relevant information professionally and confidentially to support student wellbeing and safeguarding.

Organizational and Staff Support

· Offer consultation, guidance and appropriate support to colleagues to promote staff wellbeing and a positive working culture.

Record Keeping and Professional Practice

· Maintain accurate, confidential and well-organised records in line with professional and school expectations.

· Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards of practice at all times.

Transition and Student Care

· Support students and families during key transitions, including entry to Secondary School, movement between year groups and preparation for post-secondary pathways.

· Provide targeted transition support for vulnerable or at-risk students.

Professional Development

· Engage in ongoing professional learning and reflective practice.

· Participate in appraisal, supervision and professional development processes.

- Contribute positively to the wider life and professional culture of International College Spain.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications / Training

· A postgraduate qualification in Adolescent Counselling, Psychology or a related field.

· Relevant professional accreditation (e.g. BACP or equivalent).

· Experience of working with adolescents in a school setting.

· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

· A clear commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing.

Other Requirements

- Compliance with safeguarding, visa and employment requirements relevant to working in Spain.

- A willingness to contribute to the ethos, values and community life of International College Spain.

Personal Attributes

- Self-motivated, flexible and adaptable to different tasks at hand

- Proactive and calm working under pressure

- A strong ability to empathise with others

- Has gravitas that allows them to be accepted by other stakeholders in the school

- High level of integrity

- Excellent time management and organisational skills

- Excellent communicator both oral and written

- Excellent attention to detail

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: From 38,000.00€ per year

Work Location: In person