Job overview
Swiss International School in Qatar is seeking a passionate and forward-thinking School Counsellor for Academic Year 2025-2026 (immediate hire or January 2026). This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to be part of the Learning Support Team in SISQ.This position reports to the Primary School Principal/ SENCo.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
It is a mandatory requirement that all SISQ staff adhere to the Student Safeguarding and Child protection Policy. To foster effective teaching, learning and management of resources and be a model of professional practice in the School.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
- Prior experience supporting the whole school, with particular experience supporting secondary school students.
- Establish a supportive and secure psychological environment that encourages students to reach out for help and access continuous care.
- To provide a high-quality counselling service to students experiencing a wide range of social, emotional and academic problems.
- To provide support, guidance and advice to parents, carers and the school.
- To observe confidentiality and to support the school’s endeavor to provide excellent teaching and learning for all students.
- Contribute to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare and personal care of children and young people.
- Work closely with the Pastoral team to analyse student behavioural issues, support policy development, and recommend effective solutions.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
- To be responsible to provide a confidential counselling service to students as needed.
- To assist in conducting formal classroom observations and psycho-educational assessments to identify ‘at risk’ students.
- To be responsible to provide support for identified students either individually or in small group withdrawal programs.
- To be responsible to conduct nurture groups, creating a secure space where children can build the skills they need to succeed socially and academically in school.
- To liaise with parents, teachers and external agents concerning student accommodations and/or program modifications.
- To be responsible for providing feedback and recommendations to staff.
- To be responsible for maintaining appropriate and confidential records.
- To provide regular audit information such as numbers, age range and types of problems to the line manager.
- To have a thorough knowledge of the Mental Health provision locally and Internationally.
- To continually review and evaluate the service to implement program modifications.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
- Take responsibility for personal professional development, keeping up-to-date with research and developments which may lead to improvements in the counselling service provided.
- To arrange and deliver relevant training for staff as and when needs are identified.
PASTORAL CARE:
- Celebrate students' achievements.
- Promote the IB Attitudes and Learner Profile attributes.
- Respond to students’ physical, mental and emotional needs in school.
- Communicate to parents as necessary.
WHOLE SCHOOL:
- Actively participate in all school meetings, school events and PD days
- Promote and encourage parent involvement in the school through events and parent conferences
- Contribute and encourage a positive atmosphere in school.
ABOUT YOU:
The successful candidate will have the following essential qualities.
- Prior experience as a School Counsellor supporting all student grades.
- A collaborative working style.
- Fluent in the English Language.
- Excellent communication skills.
- A commitment to continuous improvement.
- A commitment to student learning, wellbeing and safeguarding.
ADVANTAGE QUALITIES:
- Experience within an international school setting.
- Fluent in a second language (French will be an added advantage).
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
- A teaching qualification (PGCE / QTS / Teaching Licence)
- No more than 49 years of age at the point of joining the school.
"Child safeguarding is taken extremely seriously in SISQ and remains the first priority throughout our recruitment activities. All staff are subject to rigorous background checks, including those who participate in our interview processes. Background checks shall include, but not limited to: employment verification, qualification check, criminal checks and three professional references (verbal and written)."