Secondary School Counselor

Professionalism

All employees are expected to exhibit professionalism by adhering to the guidelines outlined in the IAA Code of Conduct, which is signed annually by each staff member, along with the Policy manual and the employment contract. The standards detailed in these documents encompass, but are not limited to:

• Upholding IAA's professional standards in both work and community interactions.

• Maintaining confidentiality regarding all employment-related matters with IAA, both within and outside the school environment as appropriate.

• Adhering to all IAA policies and procedures.

• Publicly endorsing the school and refraining from organizing or engaging in activities that could tarnish IAA's reputation.

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

• Promptly responding to communications.

• Keeping open and appropriate lines of communication with parents about student progress.

• Meeting deadlines and maintaining accurate records.

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

Job Specification:

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

• Assist students in understanding academic, social, behavioral, and personal challenges, equipping them with life skills to foster personal, social, and academic growth.

• Focus on student social-emotional concerns and refer non-emergent issues involving other stakeholders to external agencies as necessary.

• Develop and sustain support from local professionals and agencies when needed.

• Establish rapport with students, staff, and families, demonstrating genuine interest in students’ lives.

• Ensure proper confidentiality concerning records and disclosures.

• Observe students during classroom and social activities as necessary.

• Advise 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 student council, as required (Primary).

• Lead peer mentoring and mediation programs.

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

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

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

• Collaborate with teachers to incorporate aspects of social-emotional development into the curriculum and extracurricular activities, supporting them in delivering activities and objectives.

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

• Undertake any professional responsibilities as required by senior management, particularly during emergencies, understanding 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.

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

• Recognize that student safety is always the top priority.

• Practice vigilant student safeguarding and duty of care.

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

• Celebrate students’ achievements both in and out of school.

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

Professional Development

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

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

• Actively take part in staff initiatives and meetings.

• Foster positive working relationships with others through active leadership and the sharing of ideas, materials, and expertise.

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

• Stay informed about developments in the profession.

Learning Environment

• Seek opportunities to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom setting.

• Manage and maintain the effective use of equipment and learning resources responsibly, 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 environments.

• Capability to work both independently and collaboratively within 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 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.