Education & Training
Educational Counsellor
Educational counsellors, also known as school counsellors, help students develop social skills and succeed in school.
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Entry-level education
Master’s degree
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Job outlook
What does an Educational Counsellor do?
Educational counsellors, also known as school counsellors, help students develop social skills and succeed in school.
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Work activities
As an educational counsellor, you would:
- counsel individuals to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations
- provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur
- confer with parents or guardians, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to discuss children's progress, and to resolve behavioural, academic, and other issues
- maintain accurate and complete records as required by laws, policies, and administrative regulations
- prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks
- evaluate students' or individuals' abilities, interests, and personality characteristics using a variety of tests or techniques.
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Key skills and interests
To become an educational counsellor, you would need:
- the ability to build trust and make young people feel relaxed
- strong communication skills, including listening
- the ability to challenge clients in a positive way
- patience, tolerance, and sensitivity
- empathy and a non-judgmental attitude
- the ability to work with students from all backgrounds.
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Working hours and conditions
Working Hours
Educational counsellors generally work full time, although flexible or part-time work may be available.
Conditions
Educational counsellors work in private and public schools, as well as in tertiary institutions.
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How to become an Educational Counsellor?
Entry Level Education
Educational counsellors can work at every level of education, although their job duties will vary.
Regardless of the schooling level at which you want to work, you would generally have to earn a master's degree. To undertake a master’s degree, you need to have first completed a bachelor's degree in counselling, psychology or a related field. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent. English and mathematics would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.
Students and graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Counselling Association.
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Job outlook
Employment of educational counsellors is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Growth is expected as students seek counselling for an increasing number of issues, including family, health, or drug problems, accommodation, relationships, and career planning.
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