COUNSELLOR (FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME POSITIONS)

PINELANDS HIGH SCHOOL
www.phs.org.za

School Counsellor
Full-Time and Part-Time Positions
Starting date: 6 Jan 2027

WE’RE GROWING OUR STUDENT WELLBEING TEAM!

At Pinelands High School, supporting our students’ wellbeing is at the heart of what we do. As our Student Wellbeing Team grows, we’re looking for two passionate and committed Counsellors to join our Counselling Department in January 2027 — one in a full-time role and one in a part-time role.

Help young people feel supported, build resilience and thrive. Pinelands High School is a diverse, progressive public high school committed to excellence in a caring and disciplined environment. We seek suitably qualified school counsellors who combine professional expertise with warmth, sound judgement and a commitment to the well-being and holistic development of adolescents.

The successful candidates will join our Counselling Department, working closely with our existing school counsellor, grade heads, tutors, teachers, school management and families to provide accessible, compassionate and effective psychosocial support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counselling for students experiencing emotional, social, behavioural or family difficulties.
• Assess support needs, provide crisis and trauma intervention, and arrange appropriate referrals and follow-up with external practitioners.
• Provide support and guidance to students’ guardians.
• Work constructively with guardians and staff to develop and monitor support plans, alongside the school’s academic counselling provision.
• Contribute to the School-Based Support Team and liaise with the WCED Circuit and District-Based Support Teams and other relevant services.
• Develop and facilitate preventative wellness programmes, psychoeducation, staff training and peer support or mentorship initiatives.
• Support an inclusive school culture through programmes that promote belonging, respect and understanding across differences.
• Help identify students facing material hardship and coordinate appropriate assistance with the school’s bursary and support structures.
• Maintain accurate, secure case records and reports, uphold professional confidentiality and ethical boundaries, and fulfil applicable safeguarding and reporting responsibilities.
• Participate in regular case discussions and meetings with the Principal and relevant school management structures.
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of learner support and development programmes, including the Grade 8 orientation programme, Grade 11 Peer Helper programme and enrichment camps.

The successful candidate will have

• A counselling degree at the minimum of an Honours level, or a Masters Degree in Psychology, or a degree with Honours in Social Work, and must be a registered member of a professional body such as the HPCSA, SACSSP or equivalent.
• Experience providing counselling and psychosocial support to adolescents; five years or more of experience working with adolescents or in a high school educational setting will be an advantage.
• Strong individual and group counselling skills, including the ability to respond calmly and effectively to crises.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to build trusting relationships with students, parents and colleagues.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work respectfully within a diverse school community.
• Sound knowledge of professional ethics, safeguarding, confidentiality and the legislation relevant to their practice.
• Strong organisational skills, computer literacy and the ability to manage a caseload, maintain records and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
• Warmth, resilience and enthusiasm for making a meaningful contribution to young people’s lives.

Applications

Please submit a covering letter, CV, copies of qualifications, proof of current professional registration and details of recent contactable referees to principal@phs.org.za, addressed to The Principal.

Email subject line: Application – Full-Time School Counsellor OR Application - Part-Time School Counsellor

Closing date: 10 November 2026

Applicants without relevant employment experience will not be considered. Appointment will be subject to verification of qualifications, professional registration, references and appropriate safeguarding checks.

Pinelands High School is committed to fair employment practices and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. The school reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Should applicants not have heard from the school by 30 November 2026, they may assume that their application has been unsuccessful.