School counsellors work with students, parents or carers and teachers in a variety of ways.
Their work includes:
- counselling students
- assisting parents or carers to make informed decisions about their child's education
- assessing students' learning and behaviour
- assisting schools to identify and address disabilities that affect students' learning
- liaising with other agencies concerned with the well-being of students.
School counsellors are members of schools' student welfare and learning support teams. With the agreement of parents or carers, school counsellors will pass on information to teachers that will assist them to better meet the needs of their students.
Parents or carers may seek advice from school counsellors about their child's school progress, educational options, including access to special education services, behaviour and for information about help available from other agencies.
Consent is required before any psychological testing is undertaken.
Whether working with students, parents/carers, or teachers, school counsellors will explain how they work, listen carefully to what is said, help clarify options and encourage informed decision-making.