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EducationISCO 2359

Educational counsellor

An educational counsellor is a person who gives pupils practical and emotional support inside a school or another educational institution.

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Rate 5 of the 18 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

consult student's support system

monitor educational developments

perform educational testing

identify education needs

use psychoeducation

About educational counsellor

The educational counsellor works one to one, in small groups and with a whole class. They are the accessible member of staff: a pupil can come to them with something they would not raise with a subject teacher. Active listening is the method, together with client-centred counselling, which means helping a pupil reach their own conclusion rather than handing one over.

Matters divide into the personal and the school-related. On one side sit difficulties with peers, exclusion, and behaviour that disrupts others; on the other, choosing subjects and courses, going over test results, and information about further education. The counsellor knows adolescent psychological development and learning difficulties, administers educational tests, and applies psychoeducation, explaining to a pupil and to parents what is happening and what follows from it.

The counsellor works closely with the school social worker and the school psychologist, and refers anything needing treatment or intervention to the appropriate services. Qualifications and the scope of the role are set by the education and psychological support rules of each school system.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a educational counsellor.

1

Individual and Group Counseling

  • Provide one-on-one counseling sessions to students addressing personal and academic concerns
  • Conduct small group counseling sessions on topics like social skills and stress management
  • Deliver classroom presentations on educational planning, career awareness, and life skills
  • Create supportive relationships with students and maintain confidentiality
2

Academic Planning and Guidance

  • Advise students on curriculum selection and course scheduling
  • Discuss test scores, academic performance, and areas for improvement
  • Inform students about further education options and pathways after secondary school
  • Help students develop effective study habits and academic organization skills
3

Personal and Social Support

  • Address behavioral issues and work with students to develop positive conduct
  • Support students experiencing social integration difficulties and peer conflicts
  • Provide emotional support for students facing personal challenges or crisis situations
  • Help students develop coping mechanisms and resilience skills
4

Career and Future Planning

  • Explore career interests and aptitudes with students through assessments and discussions
  • Inform students about vocational training, university programs, and alternative pathways
  • Assist students in goal setting and developing action plans for their futures
  • Provide guidance on making informed decisions about post-secondary education
5

Collaboration and Referral

  • Collaborate with school social workers, psychologists, and teachers
  • Make referrals to specialized support services when appropriate
  • Participate in student support meetings and case conferences
  • Communicate with parents and families regarding student progress and concerns

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (18)

counselling methodscounselling methodsCounselling techniques used in different settings and with various groups and individuals, especially concerning methods of supervision and mediation in the counselling process.client-centred counsellingclient-centred counsellingPractice that encourages clients to concentrate on how they feel at the present moment during the counseling session in order to search for the most appropriate solutions.learning difficultieslearning difficultiesThe learning disorders some students face in an academic context, especially Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and concentration deficit disorders.crisis interventioncrisis interventionCoping strategies in crisis cases which allow individuals to overcome their problems or fears and avoid psychological distress and breakdown.adolescent psychological developmentadolescent psychological developmentThe developments needs of children and young persons, their behaviour and the attachment relationships and the possible signs of developmental delay.consult student's support systemconsult student's support systemCommunicate with multiple parties, including teachers and the family of the student, to discuss the student's behaviour or academic performance.monitor educational developmentsmonitor educational developmentsMonitor the changes in educational policies, methodologies and research by reviewing relevant literature and liaising with education officials and institutions.perform educational testingperform educational testingCarry out psychological and educational tests on the personal interests, personality, cognitive capabilities, or language or mathematic skills of a student.identify education needsidentify education needsIdentify the needs of students, organisations and companies in terms of provision of education in order to aid in the development of curricula and education policies.use psychoeducationuse psychoeducationWork with patients and their families through psychoeducation.liaise with educational institutionsliaise with educational institutionsCommunication and cooperation for the supply of study materials (e.g. books) to educational institutions.listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...liaise with educational staffliaise with educational staffCommunicate with the school staff such as teachers, teaching assistants, academic advisors, and the principal on issues relating to students' well-being. In the context of a university, liaise with th...counsel studentscounsel studentsProvide assistance to students with educational, career-related or personal issues such as course selection, school adjustment en social integration, career exploration and planning, and family proble...tackle issues that block academic progresstackle issues that block academic progressAddress the issues that can block a pupil`s school progress, such as social, psychological, emotional or physical difficulties, through counselling and intervention methods.support children's wellbeingsupport children's wellbeingProvide an environment that supports and values children and helps them to manage their own feelings and relationships with others.communicate with youthcommunicate with youthUse verbal and non-verbal communication and communicate through writing, electronic means, or drawing. Adapt your communication to children and young people`s age, needs, characteristics, abilities, p...communicate about youth's well-beingcommunicate about youth's well-beingCommunicate about youth's behaviour and welfare with parents, schools and other people in charge of the youth's upbringing and education.
Optional (27) — show
assessment processesassessment processesVarious evaluation techniques, theories, and tools applicable in the assessment of students, participants in a programme, and employees. Different assessment strategies such as initial, formative, sum...community educationcommunity educationPrograms targeting the social development and learning of individuals in their own community, through a variety of formal or informal education methods.psychological counselling methodspsychological counselling methodsThe various psychological counselling, training and coaching methods for persons of all ages, groups and organizations considering medical aspects.education laweducation lawThe area of law and legislation that concerns education policies and the people working in the sector in an (inter)national context, such as teachers, students, and administrators.adult educationadult educationInstruction targeted at adult students, both in a recreational and in an academic context, for self-improvement purposes, or to better equip the students for the labour market.school psychologyschool psychologyThe study of human behaviour and performance with respect to various school processes, the learning needs of young individuals, and the psychological tests accompanying this field of study.primary school proceduresprimary school proceduresThe inner workings of a primary school, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.developmental psychologydevelopmental psychologyThe study of human behaviour, performance, and psychological development from infancy to adolescence.behavioural disordersbehavioural disordersThe often emotionally disruptive types of behaviour a child or adult can show, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).psychologypsychologyThe human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.secondary school proceduressecondary school proceduresThe inner workings of a secondary school, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.cooperate with education professionalscooperate with education professionalsCommunicate with teachers or other professionals working in education in order to identify needs and areas of improvement in education systems, and to establish a collaborative relationship.assist in the organisation of school eventsassist in the organisation of school eventsProvide assistance in the planning and organisation of school events, such as the school's open house day, a sports game or a talent show.liaise with educational support staffliaise with educational support staffCommunicate with education management, such as the school principal and board members, and with the education support team such as the teaching assistant, school counsellor or academic advisor on issu...apply crisis interventionapply crisis interventionRespond methodologically to a disruption or breakdown in the normal or usual function of a person, family, group or community.show consideration for student's situationshow consideration for student's situationTake students' personal backgrounds into consideration when teaching, showing empathy and respect.inspect education institutionsinspect education institutionsInspect the operations, policy compliance and management of specific educational institutions in order to ensure they comply with education legislation, manage operations efficiently, and provide prop...establish educational networkestablish educational networkEstablish a sustainable network of useful and productive educational partnerships to explore business opportunities and collaborations, as well as stay current about trends in education and topics rel...conduct educational activitiesconduct educational activitiesPlan, perform and supervise educational activities for a variety of audiences, such as for school children, university students, specialist groups, or members of the public.provide information on education financingprovide information on education financingProvide information to parents and students concerning tuition fees, student loans and financial support services.assist students in their learningassist students in their learningSupport and coach students in their work, give learners practical support and encouragement.oversee extra-curricular activitiesoversee extra-curricular activitiesSupervise and potentially organise educational or recreational activities for the students outside of mandatory classes.work in vocational schoolwork in vocational schoolWork in a vocational school that instructs students in practical courses.maintain relations with children's parentsmaintain relations with children's parentsInform children`s parents of the activities planned, program`s expectations and children`s individual progress.advise on learning methodsadvise on learning methodsProvide advice to help students study in a way that suits them best, propose different techniques such as using visual highlighting or speaking out loud, and help them draw up summaries and create lea...provide career counsellingprovide career counsellingAdvise beneficiaries on future career options through counselling and, potentially, through career testing and evaluation.provide information on study programmesprovide information on study programmesProvide information on the different lessons and fields of study offered by educational institutions such as universities and secondary schools, as well as the study requirements and employment prospe...

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an educational counsellor do?

Educational counsellors provide practical and emotional support to students in a educational institution, either in small groups, classrooms, or individually. They function as an accessible school official whom students may contact for a wide variety of issues. Educational counsellors may provide advice on personal problems such as social integration and behavioural issues, and on school-related matters such as composing adequate curriculum schedules, discussing test scores, and informing students on further education options. They may work closely with a school social worker and/or school psychologist and make referrals to other support services if necessary.

What skills does an educational counsellor need?

An educational counsellor needs 18 essential skills, including counselling methods, client-centred counselling, learning difficulties, crisis intervention, adolescent psychological development.

Will AI replace educational counsellor jobs?

The AI disruption score for educational counsellor is 11/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: provide information on study programmes, provide information on education financing, monitor educational developments. Most resilient: support children's wellbeing, listen actively, counselling methods.

Quick Facts

SectorEducation
ISCO GroupTeaching professionals
Essential Skills18

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