Job overview
Position: Director of School Counseling
Department: All-School
Supervisor: Headmaster
General overview of position:
The Director of School Counseling plans, develops, and implements a comprehensive school counseling curriculum that addresses the needs and priorities of the school. Their work is further distinguished by their attention to age-specific developmental stages of student growth, as well as the needs, tasks, and student interests related to those stages. The Director holds responsibility for counseling services and program delivery for the overall PK-12 Program and specifically all boarding students in grades 6–12 and day students in grades 9–12.
Specific responsibilities:
Deliver responsive services to all students to meet their immediate needs and concerns. These services can be delivered through such strategies as consultation, individual and small group counseling, classroom instruction, mediation, crisis counseling, and referrals to outside agencies
Serve as student advocates by consulting with students, parents/guardians, administrators, teachers, and/or community agencies regarding strategies to help students and families. Advocacy includes participation in Student Support Team meetings
Provide counseling on a short-term basis, in small-group settings, for students experiencing difficulties dealing with relationships, personal concerns, or developmentally appropriate challenges
Assist students in identifying problems, causes, alternatives, and consequences, leading to informed decision-making
Coordinate individual student planning for acute situations
Provide counseling and support services to students and their families who are facing emotional crises. Crisis counseling is typically short-term and temporary, using appropriate referral sources when necessary.
Use referral sources to enhance the services provided through the school counseling program.
Additional responsibilities:
Collaborating with administration and faculty
Participating in weekly Student Support Team meetings
Meeting with supervisor bi-weekly or when necessary
Meeting with the counseling department weekly
Collaborating with school counselors from SGIS (Swiss Group of International Schools)
Collaborating and maintaining good relationships with outside/community resources
Training staff on mental and emotional health and well-being, student safeguarding, and child protection
Documenting and tracking the counseling services being provided
Facilitating crisis intervention and prevention programs
Responsible for the leadership, coordination, and continuous development of Positive Actions (or similar programs) across all grade levels (PK–12)
Building non-judgmental relationships based on trust and respect
Helping the School Administration plan and carry out school-related programs and events
Assisting students to talk about their feelings and think about their choices
Availability outside of school hours and on the weekends
Liaise with outside authorities as necessary
Ongoing professional work during the summer as necessary
Summary of educational background and professional experience required to take over the position:
Master's Degree in School Counseling, Educational Psychology, or a related field
Minimum of 5 years of experience in residential life and boarding schools
Professional and personal skills needed to take over the position:
English mother tongue or at least a certified C2 English level
Familiarity with another Swiss language preferred (Italian, French or German)
Excellent Verbal Communication Skills
The ability to balance administrative and support services
A good understanding of the school’s mission, academic program, and the population of students that are served
Active listening skills
The ability to remain calm in stressful situations
The ability to understand people’s reactions
Patience and the ability to accept criticism
Additional comments:
The Director of School Counseling might be requested to perform other duties relevant to the position; these duties will be assigned by the School and will be in line with Swiss law provisions.
Interested candidates should submit their application materials using the Faculty Employment Application.