Job overview
Professionalism
All staff are expected to demonstrate professionalism by following the guidelines in the IAA Code of Conduct, which is signed annually by each staff member, the Policy manual, and the employment contract. The standards in these documents include but are not limited to:
Upholding the professional standards of IAA in work and in community relationships.
Observing confidentiality regarding all matters relating to employment with the IAA both within the school, as appropriate, and outside of the school
Upholding all IAA policies and procedures
Publicly supporting the school and neither organizing nor participating in any activities that could bring the reputation of IAA into disrepute
Communicating effectively and appropriately with the school community, both orally and in writing.
Responding to communications in a timely manner
Maintaining open and appropriate channels of communication with parents regarding student progress
Meeting deadlines and keeping records
Participating in school events such as parent conferences and professional training that may occur outside of normally contracted working hours
Job Specification:
Counsel students individually and in small groups; or facilitate class sessions.
Help students understand academic, social, behavioural and personal problems and to provide them with life skills to enhance personal, social and academic growth.
To maintain focus on student social – emotional issues and refer non emergent issues involving other stakeholders to outside agencies.
Developing and maintaining support from local professionals and agencies when necessary.
Build rapport with students, staff and families and show interest in students’ lives.
Ensure appropriate confidentiality with regards to records and disclosures.
Observe students during classroom and social activities as needed.
Advise teachers, administrators and parents regarding students’ strengths, challenges or special needs and within the limits of confidentiality.
Assist with the admissions, testing and orientation process for new students as directed by the principals.
Lead and coordinate class placement process (Primary)
Oversee rewards systems including student council as needed (Primary)
Lead peer mentoring/mediation programs.
Provide training to faculty and parents on social-emotional issues as needed.
Make every effort to integrate all students into one community irrespective of national or cultural differences.
Develop a yearly plan of action to be approved by the Principal, which delineates proposed activities, projects and services to be provided to develop student social emotional development.
Lead & coordinate with teachers to incorporate elements of social-emotional development within the curriculum and extracurricular activities. Support teachers in the delivery of activities and objectives.
Delineate and share key information with the Principal regarding individual cases that may affect the well-being of stakeholders.
Undertake any professional duty as required by senior management, especially in times of emergency, and understand that these events do particularly occur in an international setting, where staffing and material resources may be limited
Pastoral
To actively support a consistent approach to implementing the School Guiding Statements
To implement one’s professional duty of care by ensuring student safety at all times.
To understand that student safety is at all times paramount
To understand and practice vigilant student safeguarding and duty of care
Plan and implement strategies that encourage student self-discipline, reinforce appropriate behaviour and manage disruptive behaviour
To celebrate children’s achievements both in and out of school
To respond sensitively when dealing with children, ensuring that any concern they bring will be dealt with professionally and promptly
Professional development
To participate in the school’s self-evaluation procedures, providing constructive feedback as required
To participate fully in the school’s Staff Development Network by engaging in activities including but not limited to action research, in-service training, lesson observations, professional writing and curriculum development
To actively participate in staff initiatives and meetings
Promote good working relationships with others through active leadership and the sharing of ideas, materials and expertise
To reflect on one’s practice and be open to professional feedback from colleagues
To keep up-to-date with developments in the profession.
Learning environment
To look for opportunities to extend learning beyond the confines of the classroom
To responsibly manage and maintain effective use of equipment and learning resources and ensure their return in a timely manner
Qualifications and Skills:
Required:
Master’s degree and/or certification in School Counselling from a recognized institution or Board.
Minimum two years’ experience in school counselling
Police clearance to work with children and in schools
Strong communication skills in the language/s of instruction
Good interpersonal skills in interacting with students, parents and staff
Ability to supervise students in non-classroom settings
Ability to work independently and within a team
Preferred:
Certification in teaching from a recognized institution and/or Board and/or 2-3 years teaching experience
Experience in an internationally accredited school or national/state school in an
English-speaking country
Ability to communicate in Arabic and/or demonstrated understanding of Arab cultures
Certified or licensed to conduct specific educational tests and screenings for learning and/or behavioral issues