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

About SPARK Schools

SPARK Schools is a social impact disruptor leading change in the education space through its network of affordable private schools. The SPARK Schools network provides transformational education innovation through Africa’s first blended learning model, which elevates student achievement and equips teachers to serve their students effectively.

The blended learning model combines classroom teaching and online instruction, allowing teachers to anticipate student needs and provide personalized education at an affordable cost. SPARK Schools is pioneering this transformative education model to ensure accessibility to university and careers for all.

SPARK Schools has a culture of collaboration, as getting South Africa to lead global education takes a team effort. We are innovators striving for excellence through persistence and a sense of urgency to achieve SPARK Schools’ vision, mission, and social transformational objectives. Our work environment is vibrant, fast-paced, engaging, tech-enabled, and data-driven.

SPARK Schools is a high-growth, mission and values-driven organization, operating 21 primary schools and 5 high schools, serving over 16,000 families. We are looking for dynamic people to join our team.

Reports To: Principal

Purpose of Role:

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.

Responsibilities:

Counseling and Support Services:

Individual Counseling:

• Providing one-on-one counseling sessions to scholars experiencing emotional, behavioral, or social difficulties.

Group Counseling:

• Conducting group therapy sessions to address common concerns among scholars, such as peer relationships and coping strategies.

Crisis Intervention:

• Responding to immediate crises within the school environment.

Promoting Scholar Well-being and Academic Excellence:

• Planning and executing the high school transition model to facilitate smooth transitions.

Behaviour Management and Scholar Culture:

• Developing interventions and individualized behavior plans to support scholars' social and emotional growth.

Professional Development and Collaboration:

• Implementing behavior management policies that cultivate a positive student culture.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintaining accurate and organized case files, including process notes and progress reports for each scholar.

Leadership and Staff Support:

• Leading the onboarding process for new instructional personnel.

Family Engagement and Referrals:

• Working with families to understand scholar needs and making relevant referrals to external organizations.

Observation and Culture Maintenance:

• Maintaining a regular schedule of observations in innovation hubs.

Instructional Personnel Management:

• Managing instructional personnel by facilitating evaluations and providing constructive feedback.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A relevant social work qualification from a recognized 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 counseling experience.
• English language fluency.
• 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.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Values: Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility, Kindness

SPARK offers:

• Fair market linked remuneration.
• Performance-based annual bonuses and increases.
• Above average/good annual leave.
• Life, disability, and funeral cover.
• Employee wellness support.
• Educational support & study leave.
• Individualized professional development, support, and mentorship.
• Employee discount on school fees.
• Opportunities for career growth.

Remuneration: R30,600.00 ctc p/m

Location: Randburg, Gauteng

Position Type: Full Time

SPARK Schools is an equal opportunities employer and encourages persons with disabilities to apply.

SPARK Schools may expire the posting of this advertisement at their own discretion.

Kindly note that should you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.