High School Counsellor (Personal & Academic)

Job overview

NIST is looking for an effective and connected counsellor to join our student support team. The ideal candidate will be sensitive and knowledgeable about the needs that arise in an international school and have a successful background in the academic, social & emotional counselling of adolescents in a multicultural and international setting. There is no college counselling associated with this position. The ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams is essential. Being able to offer effective intervention and proactive class or group-based counselling sessions is also necessary. Candidates require a thorough knowledge of and experience in counselling high school students (at least eight years), together with the requisite professional qualifications.
Professional expectations:

- Promote a welcoming, accepting and positive environment
- Be approachable and visible
- Meet with individual students to address their social, emotional, academic or behavioural needs
- Teach in the advisory programme topics related to academic, social & emotional well-being
- Help to develop the wellbeing programme and the capacity of advisors and Heads of Year
- Liaise with teachers and act as a resource in providing expertise on sensitive topics
- Collaborate with teachers regarding students' academic performance and/or social/emotional development
- Develop positive partnerships between home and school, and meet with parents as needed
- Provide parent workshops relating to the academic/social-emotional world of adolescents
- Act as a referral source to community resources and work with these external agencies as necessary
- Maintain confidential and accurate files
- Provide support to students transitioning into, within, or out of NIST
- Work in conjunction with Admissions, administration, and other school support service providers with decisions regarding the appropriate educational placement of students
- Work collaboratively with other student support personnel to address individual student needs (and act as case manager when designated)
- Be fully aware of MTSS best practices and act accordingly with interventional requirements
- Maintain school-wide crisis protocols and provide intervention services as required
- Maintain current knowledge of developments and trends in the field of personal/academic counselling
- Be supportive and compassionate, but have high expectations for all students
- Be flexible, patient and supportive
- Appreciate that beliefs and attitudes (growth mindset/resilience) are essential for success
- Have experience with advisory curriculum review and development
- Be an effective and positive department collaborator
- Possess beliefs aligned with the school's mission, vision and values
- Utilize different cultural practices aligned with international mindedness
- Value a holistic educational experience and an ability to connect with students
- Contribute to the school's extra-curricular activities, expeditions, & service programmes
- Support the school community, maintain professional standards, and trust
- Perform duties in accordance with NIST's Professional and Child Safeguarding Codes of Conduct
- Complete other duties as assigned by the school's leadership team

NIST is an ambitious school with a mission to do our best for every student. As such, NIST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices, and all appointments are subject to interview, satisfactory references, identity, and criminal record checks.