School Counsellor

**Who we are**:
The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.

We transform lives by providing support, guidance and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Autistic people turn to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.

We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.

We have come a long way but it is not god enough. There is still so much to do to increase opportunities, reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for people on the spectrum. With your help, we can make it happen.

**What we can offer you**:

- Pension scheme
- 33 days’ annual leave pro-rata (including bank holidays)
- Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
- Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits (cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan)
- Access to a 24-hour employee assistance programme

The role will also involve working collaboratively with the transdisciplinary team, teachers and support staff to ensure that each pupil receives provision to achieve their full potential.

Thames Valley School is a special school for autistic pupils within the National Autistic Society Academies Trust. We are passionate about making a difference to the lives of autistic young people and their quality of life.

You will find our Safeguarding Policy on the ‘About Us’ section of the school website alongside other useful policies.

Supporting our pupils to talk about their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment is important for us at Thames Valley School. The Counsellor plays a key role in this aspect of wellbeing offering non-judgmental and caring support.

If you have relevant experience of counselling young people with recognised counselling or therapy qualifications/accreditation and would like to work at Thames Valley School, we would very much like to hear from you.

The successful applicant will be supported and encouraged to continue their professional development and will be offered a comprehensive induction programme.

**Responsibilities**:

- Regularly liaise with the Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Actively support and promote the NASAT and its policies particularly those relating to mental health and wellbeing
- Provide confidential counselling services
- Be responsible for maintaining appropriate, accurate and confidential records
- Work collaboratively with the transdisciplinary team to prioritise caseload
- Provide advice and guidance to teaching and support staff
- Contribute to the implementation of our whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing, including resources for pupils, parents, and staff
- Inform training relating to the implementation of a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the developmental, social, emotional, and educational challenges faced by children and young people
- Create opportunities for pupils to engage positively with a therapeutic process and reduce stigma around mental health
- Use appropriate methods and language to communicate with different audiences
- Be organised and be both self-led and willing to operate with direction
- Be motivated to support and encourage young people’s personal development
- Employ counselling skills using a person-centered approach
- Model a positive approach to contributing to the whole school ethos in relation to wellbeing
- Use ICT confidently.