Academy Counsellor

We are looking for an Academy Counsellor to provide a high-quality professional counselling service within the Academy, responding to social, emotional or educational concerns

**About Us**

Harris Academy Purley is a mixed Academy for 1,300 students aged 11-18, with a large sixth form of over 300 students. Our vision is that all members of the Academy community are supported and encouraged to achieve their absolute potential.

Harris Academy Purley is part of the Harris Federation and this enables us to offer you a comprehensive induction programme and training and development opportunities to support your career development including Masters and other qualifications.

Harris Academy Purley is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure by the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Services).

**Main Areas of Responsibility**
- To liaise with parents to ensure the young person Is supported well
- To provide a drop-in service for all students
- To coordinate with external agencies such as CAHMS, GPs and psychiatrists as needed
- To ensure all safeguarding concerns are shared with the DSL
- To lead and support parents’ information evenings about wellbeing and resilience
- To attend pastoral briefings as requirement
- To provide a termly impact report on the counselling service in the Academy
- To maintain confidential notes on all counselling sessions
- To provide CPD to help colleagues understand the emotional needs of students
- To assess the appropriateness of counselling as part of the referral process
- To promote a caring and supportive environment where concerns can be explored, thereby promoting mental and emotional health at HASN
- To uphold good practice as described by the BACP ethical guidelines
- To attend and participate in Complex Needs Panel meetings as appropriate
- To liaise with relevant staff within the Academy making them aware of problems experienced by students and to make recommendations as to how these may be managed/resolved, as appropriate.
- To liaise with other professionals, including attending meetings within the Academy and with outside agencies, as appropriate
- To be alert to trends and patterns of problems and be willing to identify causes and recommend corrective action
- To play an active role in safeguarding pupils and adhere with guidance from academy policies.
- To contribute to the evaluation of the counselling service within the Academy compiling an annual report for the Governing body.

**Qualifications & Experience**
- Recognised professional counselling qualification to diploma level or equivalent
- Ability to make use of counselling supervision (evidenced by a counselling supervisor’s statement)
- Ability to maintain confidentiality within Academy safeguarding procedures
- Ability to work within a time limit
- Effective communication skills both orally and in writing
- Ability to work effectively with a range of colleagues both within the Academy and from external agencies
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- To demonstrate the key personal qualities of empathy, congruence, positive regard and respect
- An ability to question, reflect, challenge attitudes and beliefs.
- The ability to motivate others, problem solve and be organised
- A willingness to learn and develop new skills
- A desire to make a difference to the lives of young people
- To work proactively within the ethos of the Academy

**Next Steps**

**Professional Development & Benefits**

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide rangeof top-quality training programmes delivered at every level to senior leadership.
We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.
In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and manyother benefits.

**Safeguarding Notice**

**Equal Opportunities**

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for ourstudents and staff.