**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, versátil 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 Ty