School+Counsellor+-+infomation

The role of the [|school counsellor]/guidance officer
From the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) As a school counsellor in a NSW public school you provide valuable support for students. You are an integral part of the school’s welfare team and work closely with students, parents and teacher. You can really make a difference to a young person who may be experiencing challenges at school or home. You also contribute to the entire school community to create a secure and successful learning environment for all students. Being a school counsellor is a very stimulating and satisfying career.

The role of a school counsellor
School counsellors strengthen the student welfare provision of schools by providing counselling and psychological assessment of students with specific needs. School counsellors normally work across primary and secondary schools with students from pre-school to Year 12, collaborating with classroom teachers to improve student learning.

School counsellors also:
 * assess students’ needs using psychological and educational tests, rating scales and observation, and report the results to parents and teachers
 * counsel students, individually and in groups in a range of educational and mental health areas
 * participate in the work of school student welfare committees
 * provide advice to review committees concerning the education of students with special needs
 * refer students or their families to other agencies concerned with the health and welfare of students and liaise with such agencies as required
 * work with groups of parents focusing on the welfare needs of their children
 * respond, as part of a team, to schools experiencing major critical incidents
 * report and make recommendations when students have received a long suspension from school.

https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/employment/teachnsw/brochures.htm#schoolcounsellor Accessed 11/2/2010

The role of the guidance officer
[|Click here] to download a pdf document from the Queensland Department fo Education & Training describing the role of the guidance officer.