School Counselling Service model of support and roles
Sven Andrlon, School Psychologist at Beverly Hills Intensive English Centre, Beverly Hills:
This is my first job as a psychologist, and I wanted to work in a space where I’m really well supported, where I have supervision on a fortnightly basis.
I have group supervision all the time, and the professional development here is incredible as well.
Jackie Hodges, School Counsellor in training at The Henry Lawson High School, Grenfell:
One of the best things is the high-quality individual supervision provided by the Department of Education, which is a great help for me in getting my registration through APHRA.
Sven Andrlon, School Psychologist at Beverly Hills Intensive English Centre, Beverly Hills:
Tap into your colleagues and your supervisor because they have a wealth of information.
All you need to do is ask.
They have great suggestions, great ideas, and are incredibly supportive.
Daisy Collins, School Counsellor at Greenwich Public School, Greenwich:
The Department of Education is very generous in the training they provide, so I’ve been able to take up many opportunities to train in specific interventions.
Sven Andrlon, School Psychologist at Beverly Hills Intensive English Centre, Beverly Hills:
They see the value in their counsellors and psychologists receiving training and bringing it back to help with the wellbeing of their students.
Astrid Linke, School Psychologist at Nyngan High School, Nyngan:
My Principal and Deputy Principal are very supportive of any professional learning I would like to pursue.
I often attend conferences in Sydney to build on my skill set and bring these skills back to rural areas to further enhance my practice and help the students and staff.
Sven Andrlon, School Psychologist at Beverly Hills Intensive English Centre, Beverly Hills:
What I can say, once you get to the school, you’re very well looked after.
You’re also working with one or two School Counsellors or School Psychologists at your school, so you have a good team within each school.
Jarrah Seager, School Psychologist at Willyama High School, Broken Hill:
In the School Counselling Service, there are opportunities for career development.
In the future, I have an opportunity to one day be a Senior Psychologist Education, not only supporting students but also supporting those who support the students.
Further to that, there are opportunities to be a Leader Psychology Practice overseeing the school psychology team in your district.
Sany Mehta-Tran, School Psychologist at Smithfield Public School, Smithfield:
Professionally, I feel like I have a lot of opportunities to grow.
[End of transcript]
| Position | Role |
|---|---|
| School Counsellor | School counsellors contribute to student wellbeing in NSW public schools by providing specialised psychological assessment, counselling and intervention services. School counsellors have teaching and post graduate qualifications in psychology, hold registration as a psychologist or are working towards registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. |
| School Psychologist | School psychologists contribute to student wellbeing in NSW public schools by providing specialised psychological assessment, counselling and intervention services. School Psychologists have psychology qualifications and hold general or provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. |
| Senior Psychologist Education | The Senior Psychologist Education (SPE) provides professional leadership in the delivery of psychological services to school communities. They coordinate and professionally supervise a team of school counsellors and school psychologists to deliver high-quality psychological services to schools. As part of their role, they work closely with schools, other members of educational services teams and external agencies to improve student learning and wellbeing outcomes. |
| Leader Psychology Practice | The Leader Psychology Practice (LPP) provides clinical supervision, leadership and support to Senior Psychologists Education and District Guidance Officers in NSW public schools to implement professional practices in line with the standards of the NSW Department of Education and the Psychology Board of Australia. |