Based in Lusaka, Zambia, Lusaka International Community School (LICS) is a co-educational, secular, fee-paying, non-profit school, which provides an internationally recognised education to a culturally diverse, globally-minded student body in a caring and supportive learning environment. LICS holds in high esteem its vision statement which is to “maximise the potential of future world citizens”.

LICS is a leading independent Pre-Primary, Primary, and Secondary School based in the leafy suburb of Roma in Lusaka, Zambia, and is a member of CIS, AISA, and ISAZ.

The school currently has an opening and is looking for a suitably qualified individual to join the LICS community as a School Counsellor effective 1st August 2024.

1. Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in counselling or Bachelor’s Degree (unrelated field) but include a Post Graduate Diploma / Master in Counselling
• Prior experience working as a counsellor in a school setting.
• Minimum three years of work experience in counselling with children/adolescents
• Further therapeutic training or qualification in working with children, young people, and schools.
• Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

2. Qualities

• Ability to work independently, manage own caseload, and use initiative.
• Ability to understand and empathise with social and cultural diversity.
• Maturity to exercise sound judgment.
• Excellent communication skills, self-driven and motivated, good listener, empathetic, excellent organisation skills, team player.

3.Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling or Bachelor’s Degree (unrelated field) but include a Post Graduate Diploma / Master in Counselling
• Additional qualifications relevant to the role.

4. Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

4.1  Whole School Counselling

• Offer confidential counselling to students and staff, addressing personal, social, emotional, and educational concerns.
• Utilize solution-focused approaches to tackle barriers to academic, social, and emotional well-being.
• Ensure confidentiality except when Safeguarding policies require disclosure.
• Make appropriate referrals to external agencies with student consent, and maintain communication with staff.
• Actively participate in safeguarding efforts, reporting concerns to appropriate authorities.
• Stay updated on counselling and education developments to enhance service delivery.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and leadership to support students effectively.
• Monitor attendance and provide interventions for at-risk students, coordinating with stakeholders.
• Address mental health needs of students and assist families seeking resources.
• Utilize data analysis to develop strategies for supporting emotional, social, and learning needs.
• Liaise with relevant teams regarding student support and language needs.
• Lead PSHE initiatives and monitor their effectiveness.
• Propose resource requirements annually.
• Provide regular reports on service usage and user concerns.
• Maintain membership in relevant professional organizations.
• Conduct educational workshops for staff, students, and parents.
• Contribute to overall student well-being through bulletins and initiatives.
• Review and evaluate counselling services for continuous improvement.
• Develop workshops for emotional well-being.
• Implement a self-assessment program for professional development.
• Flexible in duties within the scope of the role.

4.2  Data Management and Protection

• Adhere to legal provisions such as GDPR for confidentiality and data security.
• Provide termly reports according to LICS guidelines and conduct an annual review of the school service.
• Utilize data to improve practice and effectiveness.
• Maintain secure case records and records of students accessing the service.
• Input data accurately and in a timely manner into the LICS School Management System and School MIS.

4.3  Support for school/place of work.

• Attend staff meetings.
• Contribute and participate in the holistic life of the school through the activities programme and participation in school events.
• Travel and work may be required during term time, school breaks (rarely), and occasional evenings and weekends.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and parents/carers.
• Follow school policies, practices and procedures

5. Remuneration

Competitive package.