School Counsellor

School counsellors provide support to pupils with regard to their educational, social, physical and emotional development and adjustment.

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A school counsellor provides support and guidance to students in both academic and personal matters, helping them address challenges that may affect their school performance or well-being. They create a confidential environment for students to discuss personal issues and use various tools, such as aptitude and personality tests, to assess potential problems. School counsellors offer one-on-one emotional counselling to guide students in understanding and overcoming difficulties. They also provide crisis intervention when necessary and work with parents and teachers to support students. Additionally, school counsellors play a vital role in career guidance, ensuring that students have access to accurate information and resources for making informed career choices.

Tasks performed by school counsellors include:

• Creating a confidential environment where students feel comfortable seeking advice.
• Administering aptitude and personality tests to identify issues affecting students' academic or personal lives.
• Providing emotional counselling to help students overcome personal, social, or behavioural problems.
• Offering career guidance and keeping the school’s career library up-to-date.
• Liaising with parents, teachers, and specialists regarding students’ learning or behavioural difficulties.
• Maintaining accurate student records and preparing necessary reports for the administration.

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Personal Requirements

• interested in children
• desire to help others, particularly young people
• empathetic and caring
• good communication and listening skills
• maturity and good life-coping skills
• able to inspire respect, trust and confidence

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Employment

• Department of Education
• government schools
• school clinics
• rehabilitation centres
• private schools

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Getting Started

• volunteer as an aide or helper at your nearest community or church centre, which offers counselling in any form
• make an appointment to speak to a school counsellor about this type of career

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Programmes

Boston City Campus and Business College does not offer a programme that leads directly to this occupation. Please take a look at the related occupations below to see whether any of these appeal to you. Alternately, please send an email to taryn@boston.co.za and a Student Advisor will call you back.

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Related Occupations

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