New school counsellor structure proposed

By Jann Chambers, Wendy Delaney and Steve Perry

Federation's School Counsellor Reference Group has considered responses from school counsellors for a new salary structure.

The reference group wants to develop a structure aimed at retaining school counsellors and attracting others. The reference group found there were two common threads in feedback from counsellors, the first being the need for recognition of the extra training and responsibilities that school counsellors have. Secondly was the need to develop a system of comprehensive supervision (opportunities for assessment of methodology and debriefing for complex cases) for counsellors and district guidance officers.

Respondents also recommended that names of senior counsellor positions change to recognise the nature of the profession. While the term "school counsellor" will remain, the proposal is to introduce a "senior counsellor position", replace the "district guidance officer" term with "deputy principal -- school counselling" and introduce a new regional position (equivalent of a P3), "principal -- school counselling".

In the current context where school counsellors are in the front line of the provision of mental health services, particularly in country areas, it is vital that the work of counsellors is recognised. We not only want to attract more counsellors to the service, but also need to retain experienced counsellors at a time when opportunities for psychologists are expanding.

To access full details of the proposal, register for the School Counsellor Special Interest Group email list by emailing schoolcounsellor@nswtf.org.au with your details.

Jann Chambers and Wendy Delaney are district guidance officers and Steve Perry is a school counsellor.

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May 2006 contents