School Counsellor

Job Summary

A Counsellor is a key member of our Pastoral Care team, responsible for providing a professional and confidential counselling service to our students and advice and guidance to our teaching colleagues so that, as a school, we support the development of our students’ social, emotional and psychological wellbeing as well as their academic achievements. A Counsellor plays an important leadership role in promoting our core values of integrity, empathy and mutual-respect.

Job description

At KTJ, we believe with a commitment to professional development, we offer opportunities for growth in a warm and welcoming student-centred environment. Join us and become part of a community that values creativity, embraces new ideas and encourages progressive thinking.

Key Duties

• Provide individual and group counselling services in a professional and ethical manner which stimulates the emotional health and well-being of students;
• Keep and update confidential records;
• Conduct guidance curriculum that stimulates the emotional health and well-being of students;
• Communicate and liaise with school staff, in the best interests of the young person, whilst within the limits of client confidentiality;
• Share relevant knowledge to staff as appropriate, including House Parents and Designated Safeguarding Lead, which contributes to supporting students with mental health or personal issues, where necessary;
• Engage the young person’s family, teachers and staff when appropriate and beneficial;
• Provide support for students and family of students experiencing crisis whenever necessary;
• Prepare and disseminate counselling and guidance information to all students via any suitable media;
• Liaise with staff in making referrals to and from other agencies;
• Take part in reflective practice sessions and/or clinical supervision sessions;
• To carry out any other reasonable duties assigned by the management.

Personal characteristics and skills

• Passionate in helping and working with children and teenagers;
• Display professional integrity, good interpersonal skills and teamwork;
• Willing to learn and grow as a counselling professional;
• Ability to work independently and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Knowledge of safeguarding protocol and procedures is desirable
• A competent user of IT facilities and systems designed for school use;
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written (ability to communicate effectively in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and/or other languages will be an added advantage);
• An enthusiastic and flexible approach;
• An ability to work positively with everyone in the school community;
• A commitment to life-long learning;
• An affinity with the School’s boarding ethos and with the values of Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar.

Applications should be made to Mr. Ragvinder Singh, Director of Human Resources, via email. Please submit a letter and a completed application form (available on our website), including contact details of three referees, one of whom should be your current employer.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to security vetting.