Job overview
The School Counselor is responsible for designing and delivering a comprehensive, culturally responsive school counseling program that supports the social-emotional development of students within the framework of the Aga Khan Academies and the International Baccalaureate. This role also includes support for residential students, ensuring their well-being and successful adjustment to residential life. The counselor serves as a leader, advocate, consultant, and collaborator, upholding the ethical and professional standards of the International School Counselor Association (ISCA) and the International Model for School Counseling Programs.S/He will be responsible for:
Program Development and Delivery
- Plan, implement, support and evaluate a comprehensive, developmental, results-based counseling program aligned with ISCA Student Standards and the IB philosophy.
- Integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) and student well-being into the school’s curriculum and culture.
- Deliver individual and group counseling to address students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
- Support students’ personal development, resilience, and sense of belonging, in line with the Academies’ Learner Profile.
- Provide dedicated counseling and pastoral care to residential students, addressing challenges related to adjustment, homesickness, cultural transition, and interpersonal relationships.
- Collaborate closely with residential life staff, heads of houses, and families to ensure a safe, supportive, and nurturing boarding environment.
- Facilitate workshops and group activities aimed at promoting community, well-being, and life skills among boarding students.
- Monitor and advocate for the mental health and welfare of residential students, coordinating referrals to external mental health professionals when necessary.
- Serve as an assertive advocate for student equity, access, and well-being within the school community.
- Consult and collaborate with students, parents, teachers, administrators, residential life staff, and external professionals to promote student success.
- Participate in school-wide initiatives and contribute to the school’s mission and improvement plan.
- Uphold the ISCA ethical standards and professional responsibilities.
The successful candidate should have a Master’s degree in Counseling from an accredited institution, A valid teaching certificate and certification as a counselor
S/he must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience as a school counselor in an international school setting, preferably with experience in IB programmes. Experience supporting residential or boarding students is highly desirable.