School Counsellor, Grand Cayman

Job overview

The Ministry of Education of Training in the Cayman Islands invites candidates to join our team as a school counsellor.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Department of Education Services (DES) is the operational arm of the Ministry of Education relating to the provision of compulsory education. It is responsible for supporting school improvement and raising standards through the implementation of ministerial policy, the development and implementation of operational level policies and the provision of a range of centralized services to support the effective management and day to day operation of schools.

DES is under the leadership of a Director (DES). The work of schools is overseen and supported by a Deputy Director (Teaching & Learning), Deputy Director (Operations) and a School Improvement Team which includes SSIOs, Teaching & Learning Unit, Data & Testing Unit, Business Services Unit, Facilities Unit, Child Protection Unit, Head of Professional Development, Customer Service Unit and HR Services, from within DES. Education is mandatory from age 5 to 17 years, which culminates in the sitting of external examinations, and a further year (Year 12) at the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC), as a bridge to further education or the world of work.

The DES provides services to approximately 2,800 Secondary and 2,700 Primary students through one Further Education Centre, three High Schools, ten Primary Schools, and a Special School; in addition to an Education Service provision on Little Cayman. The Department of Education Services employees over 950 staff in these schools and several specialist support areas.

Senior School Improvement Officers (SSIOs) form the link between the DES and the individual School Principals who are responsible for the management of a school and teaching and learning outputs delivered by the school.

The post works under the immediate supervision of the SSIO SEND who reports to the Deputy Director. The post holder works as a member of a multi-disciplinary team delivering specialized services within the

education system.

The emphasis of this role is to provide counselling interventions to students who are experiencing a range of emotional and behavioural issues to enable them to achieve their full potential within the school environment and the wider community and ensure effective child protection within schools. To this end the Counsellor work around three main policy areas. The Special Needs (SEN) Code of Practice which outlines the three levels of interventions which serve students who may experience social, emotional, and/or behavioural challenges to their learning. Inclusive practice for students who face various barriers to their learning is further supported by the Safer Schools Initiative and the Policies surrounding child safeguarding.

DIMENSIONS

· At primary level, there are 5 School Counselors offering services to 8 primary schools and The Lighthouse School across Grand Cayman, collectively providing services for 2000-2500 students.

· At secondary level, there are 6 School Counselors serving John Gray High School, Clifton Hunter High School and the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC) on Grand Cayman, collectively providing services for 2000 – 2500 students.

· On Cayman Brac, there is 1 School Counselor impacting 150-170 students in the 3 primary schools and 150-170 students at the 1 high school.

· Specialist guidance provided to all teaching staff within the school, ranging from 15–50 staff per primary school and 100–130 staff across the secondary school.

To function as the school’s Child Protection Officer and ensure that all Child protection policies and procedures are followed.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS Education and Experience:

The post holder must;

· Possess the minimum of a Master’s degree in School Counseling or the equivalent qualifications;

· Have evidence of (or eligibility for) licensure or certification to practice as a School Counselor within the current jurisdiction of practice or training;

· Have 3-5 years of experience working as a School Counselor;

· Have a strong record of achievement in working with students with significant learning and behavioural challenges;

· Evidence of strong integration skills;

· Hold a valid driving license (necessary for School Counselors working at the primary level).

Skills and Characteristics:

· Self-motivation and ability to work independently but collaboratively;

· Strong background in professional ethics, including duty for and limits to confidentiality;

· Ability to quickly establish rapport and communicate with youth and their families;

· Excellent verbal and writing skills with the ability to communicate regarding sensitive subjects with students, teaching specialist colleagues, parents and the wider community;

· Commitment to a model of educational inclusion.

Application can be submitted through the online jobs portal, visit https://careers.gov.ky/application/login/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2F

Application deadline: January 18, 2026