Ascham is an independent girls’ school, and since its foundation in 1886 has educated girls who develop into confident, independent and compassionate young women with a sense of purpose in the world. Ascham is an inclusive, day and boarding school that provides a strong academic program within a warm, welcoming environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for a school psychologist to lead our counselling department from Term 1 2025 on a full-time temporary basis until April 2026. 

The Head of Counselling works within the wider Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Team and regularly liaises with the Deputy Head of School, Head of Junior School, Head of Wellbeing, Head of Boarding, Director of Studies, and Year Coordinators. 

General Responsibilities:

Counselling

• Lead and manage a team of School Counsellors.
• Meet with School Counsellors in relation to student cases.
• Collaborate with leaders within the Wellbeing and Learning Enhancement Teams to proactively and strategically develop mental health and wellbeing initiatives in anticipation of and response to emerging trends. 
• Consult with other wellbeing leaders to develop student management plans. 
• Liaise with, and referrals to, external therapists and services in relation to student concerns.
• Assist with the transition of students back to school after a mental health episode which could include liaising with stakeholders and conducting Return to School Plans.
• Promote the psychological wellbeing of all students and collaborate with teaching, boarding and co-curricular staff to embed practices that actively support student wellbeing. 
• Liaise closely with Year Coordinators and relevant staff members to support individual students and to manage group concerns. 
• Consult with the School’s Leadership Team in relevant contexts and circumstances involving student wellbeing, health and safety. 
• Alongside key members of the Leadership Team, coordinate the school’s response to critical incidents, particularly in co-ordinating debriefing and counselling, liaising with external mental health services and ongoing monitoring of incidents. 
• Provide parent education programs where necessary and appropriate.   
• Facilitate the delivery of staff training on relevant student care issues e.g., Child Protection. 
• Manage own caseload of students across K-12, providing individual counselling and therapeutic interventions.
• Engage in professional learning and development to maintain knowledge of current best practice standards.
• Engage in ongoing support via the School Psychologists Network.

What do you need to succeed?

• Tertiary qualifications in Psychology or counselling.
• Professional Psychologist Registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or counselling equivalent.
• Eligibility for registration with Australian Psychological Society (APS) and other relevant professional bodies.
• Previous experience working in school and boarding environments is highly desirable. 
• An overriding commitment to, and high aspirations for, student learning and holistic wellbeing.
• Ability to effectively work both independently and within a team, to ensure shared understanding of issues.
• Ability to innovate, develop and implement programs which meet students’ needs.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, stimulating, and challenging learning environment.
• A commitment to child safety, demonstrating an understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with children with diverse needs and backgrounds.
• Support for the school’s aims and philosophies, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with highly sensitive and confidential matters.
• A proven capacity to develop trust with students, parents and staff and guide the development and wellbeing of students. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to liaise and provide advice regarding student wellbeing to all levels of the school and to parents, guardians, and wellbeing service providers. 
• A current First Aid and CPR certificate.
• A valid Working with Children clearance.

The successful applicant will enjoy a stimulating work environment in a team of talented professionals, and attractive remuneration and benefits. 

Further information (including position description) for this role is available: https://www.ascham.nsw.edu.au/connecting/careers-at-ascham/

Please apply via Seek with your cover letter, CV (please include WWCC & First Aid details) and the names and contact details of two referees by COB 25 November 2024. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please note, we will not proceed with applications that do not have this information.