School Counsellor at Lusaka International Community School

Job Description

School Counsellor (Ref: WSCH001)

Based in Lusaka, Zambia, Lusaka International Community School (LICS) is a co-educational, secular, fee-paying, non-profit school, which provides an internationally recognised education to a culturally diverse, globally-minded student body in a caring and supportive learning environment. LICS holds in high esteem its vision statement which is to “maximise the potential of future world citizens”.

LICS is a leading independent Pre-Primary, Primary, and Secondary School based in the leafy suburb of Roma in Lusaka, Zambia, and is a member of CIS, AISA, and ISAZ.

The school currently has an opening and is looking for a suitably qualified individual to join the LICS community as a School Counsellor effective 1st August 2024.

1. Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in counselling or Bachelor’s Degree (unrelated field) but include a Post Graduate Diploma / Master in Counselling
Prior experience working as a counsellor in a school setting.
Minimum three years of work experience in counselling with children/adolescents
Further therapeutic training or qualification in working with children, young people, and schools.
Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

2. Qualities

Ability to work independently, manage own caseload, and use initiative.
Ability to understand and empathise with social and cultural diversity.
Maturity to exercise sound judgment.
Excellent communication skills, self-driven and motivated, good listener, empathetic, excellent organisation skills, team player.

3. Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling or Bachelor’s Degree (unrelated field) but include a Post Graduate Diploma / Master in Counselling
Additional qualifications relevant to the role.

4. Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities
4.1 Whole School Counselling

Offer confidential counselling to students and staff, addressing personal, social, emotional, and educational concerns.
Utilize solution-focused approaches to tackle barriers to academic, social, and emotional well-being.
Ensure confidentiality except when Safeguarding policies require disclosure.
Make appropriate referrals to external agencies with student consent, and maintain communication with staff.
Actively participate in safeguarding efforts, reporting concerns to appropriate authorities.
Stay updated on counselling and education developments to enhance service delivery.
Collaborate with teachers, parents, and leadership to support students effectively.
Monitor attendance and provide interventions for at-risk students, coordinating with stakeholders.
Address mental health needs of students and assist families seeking resources.
Utilize data analysis to develop strategies for supporting emotional, social, and learning needs.
Liaise with relevant teams regarding student support and language needs.
Lead PSHE initiatives and monitor their effectiveness.
Propose resource requirements annually.
Provide regular reports on service usage and user concerns.
Maintain membership in relevant professional organizations.
Conduct educational workshops for staff, students, and parents.
Contribute to overall student well-being through bulletins and initiatives.
Review and evaluate counselling services for continuous improvement.
Develop workshops for emotional well-being.
Implement a self-assessment program for professional development.
Flexible in duties within the scope of the role.

4.2 Data Management and Protection

Adhere to legal provisions such as GDPR for confidentiality and data security.
Provide termly reports according to LICS guidelines and conduct an annual review of the school service.
Utilize data to improve practice and effectiveness.
Maintain secure case records and records of students accessing the service.
Input data accurately and in a timely manner into the LICS School Management System and School MIS.

4.3 Support for school/place of work.

Attend staff meetings.
Contribute and participate in the holistic life of the school through the activities programme and participation in school events.
Travel and work may be required during term time, school breaks (rarely), and occasional evenings and weekends.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and parents/carers.
Follow school policies, practices and procedures

5. Remuneration

Competitive package.

6. Application Process

Please visit our website (www.lics.sch.zm/solicited-application), fill in the online application form, and upload a detailed CV with a cover letter along with three referees, one of whom should be your current supervisor by 15.03.2023, Kindly note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

7. Safeguarding

Lusaka International Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting our children’s and young people’s welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate’s appointment will be subject to full security vetting.