University and College Guidance Counsellor/Higher Education Leader

Guidance Counsellor

Job Description: NBIS University and College Guidance Counsellor/Higher Education Leader

Purpose

The NBIS University and College Guidance Counsellor will have the main function of assisting students, teachers and parents in all matters relating to university and careers guidance. They will maintain exceptional professional levels of communication, acting as a conduit between the school leadership, teachers and the parents.

The University and College Guidance Counsellor will be a superb communicator, be knowledgeable of the diverse needs of the students and be ready to advise the Head as required in matters pertaining to their team, both staff and students. They will have a breadth of knowledge of the school and will be able to effectively ensure all students have access to the curriculum and school provisions. They will have excellent inter-personal skills and will be able to relate to the students, staff and parents in an informative, empathetic and effective manner.

Expectations

As a leading professional in education, the University and College Guidance Counsellor should be able to demonstrate that he/she is an effective leader, teacher and manager who challenges and supports all staff and students to do their best in engaging and motivating students.

Accountability

The University and College Guidance Counsellor will be responsible to the Head of Secondary for the pastoral element of their professional duties as outlined in this job description and is responsible for all Higher Education links.

Main Tasks

The University and College Guidance Counsellor is responsible for all aspects of higher education applications.

Review, develop and enforce policies regarding Higher Education provision, such as an Early Application Support Programme, Reference Policy and Map of Y10-13 Higher Education provision

University Applications – Student Support
Supporting students in completing application forms and thorough checking of applications Supporting students in writing their personal statements
Completion of personal statements and/or personal essays

University Applications – References and Letters of Recommendation
Coordinating and overseeing the process of launching and collating subject references Distribution of subject references and providing training where appropriate
Co-ordinating and preparing student transcripts for higher education purposes.
Co-ordinating and writing higher education references, monitoring and quality-assuring university references and letters of recommendation including updating, editing, proofing and re-drafting where necessary.

Wider Student Higher Education Support

Supporting and guiding students in their university application process, including workshops, assemblies and one-to-one meetings, providing counselling and advice as necessary
Assisting the Head of Secondary in providing advice and guidance regarding option choices for IGCSE and A level

Form Tutors and Subject Staff

Guiding Teachers’ tasks in relation to the HE process
Working with Teachers to monitor students’ application progress
Consulting with teachers regarding one-to-one meetings (re. choices, personal statements and references)
Informing Teachers with regard to HE applications where necessary
Assisting Teachers with reference writing and supporting personal statements

Parent Communications

Informing parents of the application process through workshops and written communication home Communication with parents where appropriate to further support individual students Contributing regularly to the School Newsletter

Higher Education Programme & University Representatives

Generating and maintaining effective relationships with university admissions tutors Developing a Year 12/13 Higher Education information and training programme Formulating NBIS policy on university applications
Communicating with parents and reporting to the SLT on placements

Ensuring the school has Education, University Application and transition resources, and providing relevant and up to date information