Secondary School Counselor

Professionalism

All staff members are expected to demonstrate professionalism by following the guidelines set forth in the IAA Code of Conduct, which each employee signs annually, along with the Policy manual and the employment contract. The standards outlined in these documents include, but are not limited to:

• Upholding IAA's professional expectations in both work-related and community interactions.

• Maintaining confidentiality concerning all employment-related matters at IAA, both within and outside the school setting as appropriate.

• Adhering to all policies and procedures established by IAA.

• Publicly supporting the school and avoiding participation in activities that could harm IAA's reputation.

• Communicating effectively and appropriately with the school community, both verbally and in writing.

• Responding promptly to communications.

• Maintaining open and appropriate communication with parents regarding student progress.

• Meeting deadlines and ensuring accurate record-keeping.

• Participating in school events, such as parent conferences and professional training, which may take place outside of regular working hours.

Job Specification:

• Provide individual and small group counseling for students or conduct class sessions.

• Assist students in navigating academic, social, behavioral, and personal challenges, equipping them with life skills that promote personal, social, and academic development.

• Address student social-emotional concerns and refer non-emergency issues involving other stakeholders to external agencies as necessary.

• Develop and maintain relationships with local professionals and agencies as needed.

• Build rapport with students, staff, and families, showing genuine interest in students’ lives.

• Ensure confidentiality regarding records and disclosures.

• Observe students during classroom and social activities as necessary.

• Offer guidance to teachers, administrators, and parents regarding students’ strengths, challenges, or special needs while respecting confidentiality.

• Assist with admissions, testing, and orientation processes for new students as directed by the principals.

• Lead and coordinate the class placement process for Primary.

• Oversee reward systems, including the student council, as required (Primary).

• Facilitate peer mentoring and mediation programs.

• Provide training to faculty and parents on social-emotional topics as necessary.

• Work to integrate all students into a cohesive community, regardless of national or cultural backgrounds.

• Create an annual action plan for approval by the Principal, detailing activities, projects, and services aimed at enhancing student social-emotional development.

• Collaborate with teachers to integrate social-emotional development into the curriculum and extracurricular activities, assisting them in delivering objectives and activities.

• Communicate vital information to the Principal regarding individual cases that may impact the well-being of stakeholders.

• Undertake any professional responsibilities assigned by senior management, particularly during emergencies, recognizing that such events may occur in an international context where staffing and resources can be limited.

Pastoral

• Actively support a consistent approach to implementing the School Guiding Statements.

• Uphold the professional duty of care by ensuring student safety at all times.

• Acknowledge that student safety is always the top priority.

• Practice vigilant safeguarding and duty of care for students.

• Develop and implement strategies that foster student self-discipline, reinforce appropriate behavior, and manage disruptive conduct.

• Celebrate student achievements both in and out of school.

• Respond sensitively to children, ensuring that any concerns they express are handled professionally and promptly.

Professional Development

• Participate in the school’s self-evaluation processes, providing constructive feedback as needed.

• Engage fully in the school’s Staff Development Network through activities such as action research, in-service training, lesson observations, professional writing, and curriculum development.

• Be an active participant in staff initiatives and meetings.

• Cultivate positive working relationships through active leadership and sharing of ideas, materials, and expertise.

• Reflect on one’s practice and remain receptive to professional feedback from colleagues.

• Stay updated on advancements in the profession.

Learning Environment

• Seek opportunities to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom.

• Manage and responsibly maintain the effective use of equipment and learning resources, ensuring their timely return.

Qualifications and Skills:

Required:

• A master’s degree and/or certification in School Counseling from a recognized institution or board.

• A minimum of two years of experience in school counseling.

• Police clearance to work with children and in schools.

• Strong communication skills in the language(s) of instruction.

• Good interpersonal skills for interacting with students, parents, and staff.

• Ability to supervise students in non-classroom settings.

• Capability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Preferred:

• Certification in teaching from a recognized institution and/or board and/or 2-3 years of teaching experience.

• Experience in an internationally accredited school or a national/state school in an English-speaking country.

• Ability to communicate in Arabic and/or a demonstrated understanding of Arab cultures.

• Certification or licensure to conduct specific educational tests and screenings for learning and/or behavioral issues.