High School: School Social Services and Counselor - SPARK Randburg High - 2024 at SPARK Schools

Purpose of Role:

• SPARK Schools is a network of affordable private schools implementing Africa’s first blended learning model for primary and high school scholars in South Africa. SPARK Schools provides transformational education innovation through our blended learning model, which elevates scholar achievement and provides the tools teachers need to serve their scholars effectively.
• SPARK Schools is a high-growth, mission and values-driven and highly entrepreneurial organisation looking for dynamic people to join our team.

Reports To: Principal

Responsibilities:

Role Summary:

• As the School Social Services and Counselor (Scholar Support Assistant Principal), you will play a crucial role in promoting the general well-being of scholars within the school. You will be responsible for creating and maintaining a school culture that values high achievement, strong character, and a love for learning. Your role encompasses various aspects, including academic excellence, behavior management, career guidance, counseling, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. You will collaborate closely with the school leadership team, instructional staff, scholars, and families to ensure scholar success in alignment with SPARK Schools' mission and vision.

Counseling and Support Services:

Individual Counseling:

• Providing one-on-one counseling sessions to scholars who are experiencing emotional, behavioural, or social difficulties. This can include helping scholars manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, or anger and addressing issues related to self-esteem, relationships, and family dynamics.

Group Counseling:

• Conducting group therapy sessions to address common concerns among scholars, such as peer relationships, communication skills, conflict resolution, and coping strategies.
• Provide a supportive environment for scholars to share their experiences and learn from their peers.
• Maximize coping skills for scholars in difficult situations and offer crisis intervention strategies.

Crisis Intervention:

• Respond to immediate crises within the school environment, such as incidents of bullying, violence, or unexpected losses.
• Providing emotional support to scholars and staff during challenging times.
• Maximize coping skills for scholars in difficult situations and offer crisis intervention strategies.

Promoting Scholar Well-being and Academic Excellence:

• Plan and execute the high school transition model to facilitate a smooth scholar transition.
• Offer career guidance and support to Further Education and Training (FET) scholars.
• Drive academic excellence by providing support with subject selection, tracking progress towards matriculation, and guiding the development of exceptional scholar XC Projects.
• Implement rigorous and engaging social-emotional programs that promote character development.

Behaviour Management and Scholar Culture:

• Develop interventions and individualised behaviour plans when necessary to support scholars' social and emotional growth.
• Use quantitative and qualitative data to inform decision-making and scholar support strategies.
• Preventive Education: Developing and delivering educational programs to promote positive mental health, social skills, conflict resolution, and overall well-being among scholars. These programs can help prevent potential issues from escalating.
• Develop personalised interventions and behaviour plans for scholars facing challenges in behaviour or academics, involving parents, teachers, and support staff in the process to ensure a holistic approach.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and support staff to ensure a holistic approach to scholar well-being, coordinating efforts to provide targeted support and interventions as needed.

Professional Development and Collaboration:

• Implement behaviour management policies and procedures that cultivate a strong and positive student culture.
• Serve as a consultant to teachers and school staff on topics related to research-based practices in response to intervention and positive behaviour support.
• Offer mentoring and guidance to teachers and staff to enhance their professional growth, providing opportunities for skill development and creating a culture of continuous learning.
• Stay updated with best practices in the field by attending workshops and conferences and participating in professional organisations.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and organised case files, including process notes and progress reports for each scholar, ensuring compliance with confidentiality and data protection regulations.
• Monitor and address school attendance issues, providing interventions for scholars who are frequently absent or skipping classes and collaborating with families to improve attendance rates and engagement.
• Set and meet specific performance objectives in collaboration with the immediate supervisor.
• Provide support during crisis events and situations.

Leadership and Staff Support:

• Lead the onboarding process for new instructional personnel, ensuring they understand the school's culture, policies, and instructional strategies and providing ongoing support as they acclimate to their roles.
• Support instructional staff in aligning classroom instruction with the SPARK Character Quotient guidelines.
• Facilitate an assessment and data analysis cycle to identify areas for targeted instruction and strategies to close achievement gaps.
• Collaborate with the school leadership team to manage and evaluate instructional personnel.

Family Engagement and Referrals:

• Work with families to understand scholar needs and make relevant referrals to external organisations when necessary.
• Maintain communication with families to ensure a holistic approach to scholar support.
• Establish strong connections with families to create a supportive partnership in scholars' education, conducting regular parent workshops, conferences, and communication channels to involve families in their children's learning journey.
• Make appropriate referrals to external organisations or resources to address scholars' needs beyond the school environment, collaborating with community organisations, mental health professionals, and social services when necessary.

Observation and Culture Maintenance:

• Maintain a regular schedule of observations in innovation hubs to ensure effective planning and execution of online courses and monitoring activities.
• Collaborate with blended learning facilitators to implement SPARK Schools' culture and behaviour management techniques.

Instructional Personnel Management:

• Manage instructional personnel by facilitating termly and final evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and identifying areas for professional development.
• Collaborate with the school leadership team to oversee the performance and growth of teaching staff, ensuring alignment with the school's educational philosophy and goals.
• Participate in recruiting and selecting new teachers, contributing to the hiring process by assessing candidates' instructional expertise and alignment with the school's values.

Requirements

Qualifications and experience:

• A relevant social work qualification from a recognised institution, with proof of registration with the SACSSP.
• PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) - Senior/FET Phase preferred
• 5-10 years of experience dealing with high school-aged children and adults
• Facilitation and counselling experience between clients in need and offering relevant support
• Vast knowledge in individual, group and family case interviews to identify the nature and extent of problems
• English language fluency
• Form 30 clearance
• Clear/Clean criminal record

Qualities:

• Excellence: A track record of high expectations, personally and professionally.
• Mission and Vision Alignment: Understanding of and passion for the SPARK Schools mission to provide excellent education at an affordable cost.
• Self­ Reflection: Finding the capacity to bring your best self to challenges and opportunities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyse data and use it to inform decision-making.
• Proficient in fostering a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Demonstrated commitment to scholar success and well-being.