Navigating Novice School Counsellors Through Challenges of Role Ambiguity, Collaboration, and Self-Care
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Authors
Chou, Angel
Issue Date
2021-06
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
role ambiguity , role diffusion , burnout , collaboration , self-care , mentorship
Alternative Title
Abstract
School counsellors play a vital part in the school system. There are several factors that novice school counsellors should be aware of when transitioning into their new role. Novice school counsellors may find themselves tangled in role ambiguity due to the varying perceptions of the counsellor role within a school. This can negatively impact the counsellor and can lead to burnout. Novice school counsellors are also thrust into a position where it is crucial to maintain effective collaboration with the school staff in order to provide effective support for students. School counsellors must take on a leadership role within the school system and ensure that they maintain ongoing communication with administration, classroom teachers, the school district, and parents. Novice school counsellors must realize that in order to help and provide support to students, they need to help themselves first. An emphasis is placed on self-care and the continuation of a mentorship program. Recommendations to address these three issues involve the school district to support two programs within the school year of which are a school counsellor orientation and an ongoing mentorship program. These two programs together can work in tandem to help support the transition of a novice school counsellor into their new role.