Job Purpose :
The Whole School Counsellor (WSC) at Forest City International School will provide professional, confidential, and comprehensive counselling services to students supporting holistic well-being and academic achievement across the school community.
This role requires strong expertise in social and emotional development, crisis intervention, and collaborative problem-solving. The WSC will work closely with teachers, staff, and parents to foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that promotes learning, resilience, and personal growth. WSC will need to actively contribute to Safeguarding, Child Protection, and Case Management, ensuring the highest standards of care and support for the FCIS community.
Requirements :
Diploma in Counselling / Certificate in Counselling Children and Adolescents / Psychology (or equivalent), Post Graduate Diploma or higher in Counselling or Psychotherapy with a specialist qualification in child and adolescent work
1. Student Support & Care
- Conduct individual counselling and provide a safe, supportive space for students to express their emotions, concerns, and challenges.
- Listen empathetically, validate students' feelings, and provide guidance to help them navigate difficult situations.
- Work with a diverse range of emotional issues.
- Facilitate group sessions on topics relevant to the needs of students, year groups, or the school community.
- Respond promptly and effectively to crises, providing immediate support and coordinating interventions as needed.
2. Preventive & Educational Programmes
Develop and implement school-wide initiatives to promote mental health awareness, resilience, and positive coping strategies.Implements an age-appropriate counselling program and preventive education services for Lower School and Upper School.3. Staff & Parental Engagement
Provide consultation and guidance to staff on addressing students' emotional and behavioural needs in the classroom.Deliver training sessions for staff to enhance their understanding of student mental health.Conduct parent and family consultations, offering support, guidance, and resources for addressing children's needs.Run parental workshops and awareness sessions on social, developmental, and psychological issues.Work closely with parents to raise awareness of emotional well-being and provide education on relevant topics.4. Collaboration & Safeguarding
Work closely with the Safeguarding team to offer advice and support on student welfare.Supports the head of school, school principals and teachers in crisis management and / or individual interventions with students / parents that involve the emotional well-being of a student.Actively participates in the Student Support Team meetings; problem-solving with teachers, parents, and external professionals to develop appropriate support for students with social-emotional challenges.Collaborates with parents, teachers, school principals, department heads, and community resources to address students' needs and concerns.Collaborate with external agencies and mental health professionals to enhance available support.Network with other organisations to ease referrals and access specialist consultants.To develop and implement a referral process for students and have knowledge of best practice within the local context5. Administration & Compliance
Maintain accurate and confidential records of counselling sessions and student progress.Collect and analyse data to inform targeted interventions.Ensure confidentiality in line with BACP or equivalent guidelines, with breaches only in legally or ethically justified cases.Provide information about the counselling service and the counsellor's role to pupils, staff, and parents.Keep clear and concise records and reports about students' progress, ensuring confidentiality unless there is a safeguarding concern.Assist the Head of School and Principal in developing policies and practices related to wellbeing, mental health, and safeguarding.