About this role
? About Us Chobham Academy is always on the lookout for inspirational and influential staff. Most of all, we are on the lookout for potential colleagues who like our students and want to help them succeed. In order to help our staff have the best possible experience and achieve a proper work- life balance, we have put into place a range of measures to benefit both our teaching and students services colleagues. These include:
An extra week of holiday for all Chobham staff. This takes the form of a two-week half term in October. We work fewer days than most other schools.Outstanding professional development both at Chobham and through the wider Harris FederationExcellent promotion opportunitiesA constant dialogue about workload and how to manage it most effectively. We have regular workload audits, and frequent campaigns to tackle unnecessary work and identify quick winsRapid and effective support with any student behavioural issues arisingA high-quality staff induction programmeMarking protocols devised by departments themselvesManageable and flexible lesson planning expectationsClear communications and manageable deadlines. We only ask staff to do what is necessary and avoid complication and confusion. Chobham is an exceptionally well-run schoolLearning walks rather than formal lesson observations. These are not gradedNursery on siteFlexible and part time working encouraged whenever possibleAdditional time for leadership responsibilitiesFocus on effective outcomes rather than time spentHigh levels of administrative support for all teachersOngoing celebration of staff excellenceGenerous Harris rewards and benefits package, including an extra £2000 annually for all teachers working in our Academy. We place high emphasis on staff wellbeing at Chobham. This helps colleagues to be happier and more effective in their work. Staff are regularly consulted about their wellbeing and the outcomes of these consultations have a direct and rapid impact upon the Academy’s approach to supporting staff wellbeing.
We understand that while it is incredibly rewarding, teaching is also a physically and emotionally wearing job. We want Chobham teachers to be as fit and fresh as possible and to know that the school as a community really cares about how they are. We have tried to put these principles into practice with a number of initiatives which we think give Chobham teachers one of the best wellbeing packages to be found anywhere. These include:
A meeting free week every half termAn extra week of holiday with a two-week half term in the AutumnA late start or early finish for every teacher on one day each weekA staff mindfulness programme led by trained colleagues and supported by a free mindfulness appSubsidised gym membershipStaff fitness and exercise classesGuest speakers on wellbeingRegular special events such as comedy nightsStaff discounts at shops and restaurants in the local areaAccess to the Harris Federation’s staff counselling service Our staff are regularly consulted on the wellbeing services the school provides and we always try to respond to staff suggestions. In this way, staff feel empowered and get more of the services they really want. We are very proud of our wellbeing programme at Chobham and hope you will agree that it shows our commitment to making the school an exemplary working environment.
? Summary Are you an counsellor or have school counselling experience? Support our students. We are looking for a qualified counsellor to provide a counselling service within Harris Academy Chobham, responding to the social, emotional or educational concerns of our students.
The actual salary for this role will be £21,546.96 (26 hours per week, 38 weeks per year).
? Main Areas of Responsibility As our Academy Counsellor, your responsibilities will include:
Providing professional counselling support for students experiencing social, emotional or educational difficultiesAssessing referrals and determining the suitability of counselling interventionsPromoting a safe, supportive and inclusive environment that supports student wellbeing and mental healthDelivering counselling services in line with BACP ethical guidelines and professional standardsMaintaining accurate, confidential and secure clinical recordsEngaging in professional supervision, training and continuing professional developmentContributing to Complex Needs Panel meetings and multi-agency support planningLiaising with academy staff and external professionals to support student needs and outcomesIdentifying trends and emerging concerns, recommending appropriate interventions and support strategiesSupporting safeguarding processes and adhering to academy policies and proceduresEvaluating the impact of counselling provision and contributing to service reportsPromoting the safety, wellbeing and welfare of all students throughout the academy community Qualifications & Experience We would like to hear from you if you have:
A recognised professional counselling qualification to diploma level or equivalentThe ability to make use of counselling supervision (evidenced by a counselling supervisor’s statement) Ability to maintain confidentiality within Academy safeguarding proceduresThe ability to work within a time limit Effective communication skills both orally and in writing Ability to work effectively with a range of colleagues both within the Academy and from external agenciesCounselling experience in a secondary school settingEvidence of pastoral experienceExperience of working with key stakeholders such as a range of vulnerable students, outside agencies, SENCO, AWO, senior leaders, teaching staff, support staff, a range of parents, governors etc
? Rewards & Benefits Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong cu...