Position Description
School Psychologist/Counsellor
(permanent full-time term-time)
Our Vision:
Redefining excellence in education
Our Mission:
Honouring our heritage and tradition as a Grammar School, we offer innovative education of the
highest standard, pursuing excellence in every endeavour and inspiring all students to love learning
for life.
Our Values:
We fulfil this intent in our everyday activities through exercising:
Diligence
Staying focused until the goal is achieved
Excellence
Achieving the highest standards possible
Respect
Acknowledging the worth of every person and what matters to each one
Co-operation &
Teamwork
Sharing the vision and the effort to make dreams become reality
Care & Compassion
Attending with sensitivity to the needs of others for benefit of others as
well as ourselves
Justice
Seeking to achieve what is right and what is fair
Integrity
Consistently demonstrating high moral and ethical standards
THE ROLE
Position Title:
School Psychologist/Counsellor (permanent full-time term-time + 4 weeks)
Department:
Academic
Reports to:
Dean of Students
Hours:
8.00am-4.00pm Monday to Friday, term-time plus 4 weeks
- 1 week prior to commencement of Term 1
- 1 week after completion of Term 4
- 2 weeks (subject to the needs of the School) to be agreed with
the Dean of Students
Role Purpose:
To provide appropriate counselling, support and guidance to students
Date prepared:
March 2011
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As a key member of the School’s pastoral care team, the School Psychologist/Counsellor works
collaboratively with staff and parents to:
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provide appropriate counselling to students
provide appropriate academic and pastoral support and guidance
foster positive mental health in all students
promote psychological resilience within the school curriculum
assist students with adjustment issues
assist in identifying and addressing barriers to effective learning
address student safety concerns
act as an information resource on matters of expertise
Reporting Relationship
The School Psychologist/Counsellor reports to the Dean of Students
Statement of Responsibilities:
The School Psychologist/Counsellor must be able to:
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Provide effective counselling to students
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Maintain high standards of ethical conduct
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Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with others at an individual, group and school
level
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Discuss with staff the management of students with pastoral care issues and be proactive in
assisting staff to find solutions to problems
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Interpret reports from outside professionals
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Assist in the development of cognitive, academic, behavioural, developmental and emotional goals
for a diverse range of students and provide information on how students might meet such goals
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Contribute to the development of policies and practices which ensure that the school community is
a safe, caring and nurturing environment for all
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Utilise knowledge of child and adolescent development and psychopathology to assist in developing
appropriate prevention/intervention programmes for students
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Utilise knowledge of family influences that affect student well-being, learning and achievement
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Conduct oral presentations on matters of expertise for the benefit of staff and students
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Organise and present information evenings on parenting and other issues related to the well-being
of students
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Participate in professional development activities
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Maintain a high level of professional development
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Establish appropriate community support and referral networks
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Maintain appropriate, confidential records of student contact
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Liaise with other health professionals involved in a student’s care and make appropriate referrals,
as required
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The ability to undertake appropriate psycho educational assessment of students in all year levels,
as required, and provide practical, written reports of assessment findings would be advantageous
but is not essential
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Assist the Dean of Students with one-to-one interviews with students
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Any other duties as may be reasonably requested by the Dean of Students.
Qualifications and Experience
Professional experience is essential. Experience within an educational environment would be
advantageous.
Psychologists applying for the position must be registered with the Psychologists Registration Board. A
Masters level qualification from a recognised university is desirable.
Full Membership of The Australian Psychological Society is advantageous.
Membership of Professional Associations such as The Australian Guidance and Counselling Association is
desirable.
Selection Criteria
1. Registered with the Psychologists Registration Board
2. The ability to effectively counsel a range of students in the development of their cognitive, academic,
behavioural, developmental and emotional goals
3. The ability and willingness to contribute to the development of policies and practices which ensure
that the school community is a safe, caring and nurturing environment for all
4. Lead presentations on matters of expertise for the benefit of staff and students. Organise and present
information evenings on parenting and other issues related to the well-being of students
5. Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member
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