Head of Counselling, Wellbeing

Sha Tin College is seeking to appoint a Head of Counselling (HOC) to provide leadership to the counselling and social work team to ensure that students' wellbeing needs are met throughout their time at Sha Tin College. The HOC is a leader within the department and across the College advocating for and empowering students. The HOC is instrumental to the continued development of the College and as part of College leadership will be responsible for the vision, leadership and management of the department in line with College Mission, Values, policies and procedures.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and provide confidential counselling for students as individuals and groups across the whole college
• Maintain and monitor effective referral system for students
• Liaise with SJS/ BHS and other feeder primary schools Counselling Teams to ensure continuum of counselling services for students transition to STC
• Liaise with HOY/ DHOY and teaching staff on any student wellbeing issues and provide appropriate information and services as required
• Provide parent and family counselling where appropriate
• Identify and respond to trends in student needs
• Develop and maintain relationships with Government and community agencies, and refer students to relevant external professionals when appropriate
• Provide emergency support out of school hours as required, and mobilise and manage effective counselling response to any major incident
• Oversee communication with parents, students and staff on the Counselling Service
• Work with College Child Protection Officer to support the implementation of the ESF Child Protection Policy
• Coordinate access for staff to external counselling services as required
• Follow recognised counselling code of ethics and hold membership of a nationally recognised body
• Contribute to the wellbeing of staff and students through the development and introduction of appropriate wellbeing initiatives
• Provide staff training and CPD on wellbeing topics and coordinate access to ongoing CPD for counselling team

LEADING the TEAM

• Create an atmosphere of mutual trust where collaboration, discussion, debate and innovation are promoted and can flourish within the team of counsellors and social workers
• Lead and guide the Counselling team on school policy and procedure
• Provide support and guidance to the counselling team in their interactions with students and parents
• Liaise and collaborate with SLT and Heads of Department and Heads of Year as appropriate to ensure the ongoing wellbeing needs of students are being met
• Contribute to College and ESF strategic initiatives in the area of wellbeing
• Act as Supervisor to School Social Workers and Counsellors, including case management and allocation of new referrals
• Maintain effective records and produce term and annual reports of Counselling provision for SLT, PTSA and School Council as needed
• Manage the Peer Support Team and provide student training to new team members
• Maintain a suitable physical environment for student counselling services and propose and manage budget and resources for the team

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

The successful applicant is expected to have the following skills, abilities, knowledge and experience.

Personal Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with staff, students and parents with a view to empowering others
• Commitment to supporting and developing a holistic approach to student wellbeing
• Excellent organisation skills and timely follow-up
• Understanding and respect for confidentiality of service

Knowledge and Experience

• A sound understanding of, and ability to work within an existing counsellors’ Code of Ethics
• Sound understanding of Child Protection Policy and Procedures
• Ability to employ assessment and screening suitable for school setting

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities within ESF. 

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools. About 70% of our students have parents who are permanent residents of Hong Kong.

ESF is proud of the high academic and wider achievements of our students. In 2020, 22 ESF students achieved the perfect score of 45 points in the IB Diploma examinations; more than 95% go on to leading universities worldwide.

www.esf.edu.hk 

About the Team

ESF Sha Tin College is committed to providing the best possible teaching and learning experiences for every individual through the medium of English. The education provided leads to a variety of internationally recognised examinations, granting students access to higher education and career opportunities worldwide.

Unique to Sha Tin College is a culture where we take responsibility for fulfilling our own potential and that of others for the good of humanity at all levels. Ample opportunities exist to challenge students to become mature, open-minded, caring, responsible and committed individuals with a passion for learning, creativity, sports and a sense of compassion.

With commanding views over the Sha Tin countryside, the College boasts a swimming pool and multi- purpose sports hall, music rooms, drama studios, design and technology workshops, science labs and a food technology centre, Senior School Centre, climbing walls, and a Counselling and Well-being Centre.

http://www.shatincollege.edu.hk