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Guidance Officers are experienced teachers who have undertaken postgraduate studies and specialist training in guidance, counselling and psychology. They are employed by Education Queensland on a full-time basis and registered with the Queensland College of Teachers.
They offer students a confidential counselling service to help them make informed and realistic decisions regarding their future in society. This may involve working with parents or caregivers, often in conjunction with teachers, specialist support personnel and/or other professionals in community agencies.
The Guidance and Counselling Services of Cleveland High are focused in four main areas:
Responsive Services that address the immediate concerns of students by means of a process of prevention and/or counselling intervention. This may include academic, school related and/or relationship concerns, grief and loss, family issues, substance abuse, homelessness, self-esteem or stress management. It also includes the support of and ongoing involvement with students with special needs, indigenous students, newly arrived migrants, international and exchange students. When problems of a more serious nature arise, referrals to professionals in community agencies may be arranged.
Guidance Tutoring to present guidance content in a systematic way to all students at different year levels, or in small groups, for the purpose of facilitating awareness, skill development and the application of skills needed in everyday life. This has included career education and subject selection programs for Years 10 and 8, future options and tertiary applications programs for Year 12, and small group sessions addressing life skills, learning styles, leadership styles and study techniques.
Individual Planning to assist students in monitoring and understanding their own development through a process of planning and goal setting. This process may include educational planning (e.g. enrolment and placement, subject selections and/or changes, post-secondary course options and applications), career planning (an understanding of the world of work and job requirements, knowledge of career opportunities, job training schemes, interview techniques and job search skills) and other life issues (Youth Allowance, accommodation, financial assistance, legal/ethical issues, scholarships/bursaries and overseas exchange programs).
System Support which involves program delivery, the facilitation of support services for school personnel and community groups, and liaison with personnel from other support agencies. It incorporates program development, parent education, staff consultation, professional development, research, publishing and public relations.
The above outline is by no means an exhaustive one. Parents, carers, students and staff are welcome to contact the Guidance Officer regarding any issue or concern.
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