Guidance Counsellor (career AND social/emotional)

The International School of Florence (Italy) seeks an outstanding and experienced Guidance counsellor (career AND social/emotional) to work with our Upper School students. This is ONE vacancy combining both strands of counselling.

To apply:

Interested candidates are invited to apply through the TES and upload an up to date CV with 3 relevant professional references and contact details, and include a maximum 2 page A4 statement of motivation, clearly indicating your suitability for the post.

Closing date for applications: January 24, 2022, although the school reserves the right to interview and appoint as soon as an outstanding application is received.

Interviews will be via Zoom for overseas based applicants.

Commencement of duties: August 24 , 2022

Job purpose:

A Counsellor is an informed and reflective practitioner who shares expertise and leads the community in promoting positive relationships and physical and mental wellbeing, as well as provides counseling services to students on their university choices and applications. 

Qualifications: 

• A relevant first degree and counselling qualification(s)  
• Minimum 5 years of full time counselling (career AND social/emotional)  experience in an international school environment  
• Experience with the IB Diploma strongly preferred 
• Experience with North American universities strongly preferred

Key tasks - Career guidance: 

• Counselling and guidance of students with college/university preparation & planning (G9-12) 
• Counselling and guidance of students regarding future aspirations & IB subject choices 
• Manage the university applications processes (US, UK, EU) 
• Manage & coordinate university visits 
• Manage university application portals (UCAS, CommonApp etc.), Unifrog, and carry out academic transcript related tasks in iSams 
• Deliver presentations to students & parents at key points in the academic calendar 
•  Develop relationships and contacts with university admissions officers 
• Represent the school at counselling associations, external events, conferences and professional forums (CIS, IACAC, UCAS etc.) 
• Support school initiatives and events related to students exploring different careers 
• Manage and  produce official academic transcripts (Grade 9 – Grade 12)

Key tasks - Social-emotional guidance: 

• Provide counselling, psychoeducational assessment and individual student support, recommendations and advice to students, teachers and parents concerning educational, behavioural, mental health and family issues. 
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team and facilitate effective working relationships and partnerships with parents, school personnel and external support agencies in order to provide a comprehensive support, case management and referral service that optimizes students’ access and engagement in educational programs. 
• Provide a counselling and referral service to assist students in decision making about critical educational, personal, social, and emotional development, and provide ongoing support during the implementation phase of their decision  
• Assist schools in the implementation of student protection, gifted and talented education, behaviour support policies and risk management processes that may involve the development of individualized student plans 
• Balance the ethical issues of privacy and confidentiality for each student with the appropriateness of sharing information with others, and maintain a comprehensive and professional record keeping system that complies with policy and legal requirements of parental and legal access to official records. 
• Participate in relevant professional development, and prepare and implement professional and personal skill development programs and in-service activities for administrators, teachers and parents. 
• Provide leadership and specialized support in response to student protection issues; critical incidents and emergencies; and the transition of students into alternative education programs, and their reintegration back into mainstream schooling. 
• The School Counsellor will work collaboratively with other school based support personnel to assess and address the needs of students requiring the most intensive behaviour support

Personal and professional qualities: 

• Ability to establish and maintain strong and effective relationships with colleagues, learners and parents  
• Evidence of continued relevant professional development and active contact with universities around the world 
• Experience in working with learners and adults with diverse needs and backgrounds  
• Practical understanding of effective counselling methodologies 
• Theoretical knowledge and understanding of a range of effective counselling theories and strategies  
• Having a strong knowledge of counsellors’ and teachers' professional duties and legal liabilities  
• Established connections with a range of recognized universities  
• Practical experience with university application portals/systems 
• Communicate effectively in Standard English both orally and in writing

Reports to: Vice-principal for Student Support