Secondary School Counsellor

Job overview

The British International School Jeddah (BISJ) is a prestigious co-educational international school in Saudi Arabia, with a proud 48-year history of excellence. It offers a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, a rich co-curricular programme, and an impressive record of outstanding student outcomes, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing.
Join a school where students are supported to flourish and thrive. An environment where students are empowered as lifelong learners with the skills, knowledge and attributes to excel. Innovative teaching within a robust British curriculum, provides a stimulating environment for both educators and learners.

We are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Secondary School Counsellor to provide essential student well-being and social-emotional support services.

This essential role is focused on the therapeutic, mental health, and social development of students in the Secondary Section, working in close partnership with the Head of Inclusion to ensure comprehensive student support.

Key Responsibilities:
The Secondary School Counsellor is primarily responsible for the pastoral and emotional needs of the students. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Individual and Group Counselling: Provide professional, confidential counseling to secondary students to address personal, social, and emotional issues, including stress, anxiety, emotional regulation, and peer relationships.
  
• Crisis Intervention: Serve as a key responder in student crises, managing initial response and linking students and families to appropriate internal and external specialised mental health support.
• Wellbeing Programs: Design, develop, and deliver preventative social-emotional learning and well-being initiatives and workshops for students, parents, and staff.
• Pastoral Collaboration: Work closely with the Head of Inclusion, school leadership, and the safeguarding team to identify students with socio-emotional challenges and coordinate holistic intervention strategies.
• Nurturing Environment: Put student well-being at the heart of all practices, ensuring a supportive, nurturing, and inclusive environment where all learners feel secure and valued.
• Ethical Practice: Maintain accurate, confidential, and professional records of counselling sessions and student progress, adhering strictly to ethical standards and school policy.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, or Education related field (required).
  
• A minimum of 2 years of professional counselling experience working with the Secondary age group (ages 11-18), ideally within an international school setting.
• Strong command of the English language, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• A proven commitment to professional growth, working collaboratively and supporting student success.
  
• A strong set of values that align with our BISJ vision and mission.
  

Preferred Attributes:

• Empathy and Discretion: Exceptional listening skills and the ability to maintain strict professional confidentiality and discretion.
  
• Proactive Approach: Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing preventative, whole-school well-being programs.
• Cultural Competence: Experience working with a diverse, international student body and sensitivity to cultural factors affecting student well-being.
• A collaborative team player with a proactive, flexible approach and a strong work ethic.

Why Join BISJ?

• To work in a leading international school, with a diverse and motivated staff and student body.
  
• The opportunity to thrive in a culturally rich and diverse international community that celebrates differences and cultivates respectful, empathetic global citizens.
  
• To grow as a professional through a world-class professional development programme with leading global experts supported by a generous CPD budget.
  
• Supportive and collegial staff environment with an excellent remuneration and benefits package.
  
• A chance to live and work in the vibrant and welcoming city of Jeddah, recently rated the second best city for quality of life in the Arab world.
  
• Be part of a prestigious British international school with over 48 years of excellence, combining strong British educational values with a broad international outlook.
  

If you are an enthusiastic and skilled professional with a commitment to enhancing student well-being and social-emotional development, we would love to hear from you.

BISJ prioritises safer recruitment and child safeguarding, aligning with UK Keeping Children Safe in Education, the recommendations of The International Task Force On Child Protection, and other international standards. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo thorough background checks, including written and verbal references; qualification verification; identity and police checks, including overseas checks.

Application Process
Applications should include the BISJ application form, a full CV, and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role. Applicants must highlight and explain any gaps in employment, providing relevant details where applicable.

Applicants are required to provide three professional referees, including their most recent Head Teacher or Principal. References will be requested for shortlisted candidates prior to interview, in line with BISJ’s safer recruitment procedures.

The school reserves the right to make an earlier appointment should a suitable candidate be identified.

Data Protection (PDPL)
In accordance with the Saudi Arabian Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), BISJ will process applicants’ personal information securely and confidentially, using it solely for recruitment purposes and only sharing it with authorised individuals involved in the selection process.