Higher Education Counsellor / Lead Higher Education Counsellor - Island School

Job Description

Island School is a highly successful IB school located in the heart of Hong Kong. 1200 students aged 11 to 18 study an innovative and exciting curriculum combining our self-designed courses, the MYP, IGCSE, DP, CP and BTEC programs. In August 2022 we will be returning to a brand new campus in the middle of the Hong Kong central business district. Here, facilities will include a world-class sports centre, maker spaces, open classrooms and a black box theatre. Our students and their families are highly aspirational and students from Island School go on to study at a wide range of universities around the world including elite destinations such as Oxbridge in the UK and Ivy League in the US. 

The role of Island School counsellors are adjusted annually depending on the qualification of the team members, and to support the wellbeing of students at Island School in a variety of ways.

Preference is for applicants who have skills in both Higher Education and school counselling however applicants with specialist skills in one area are also invited to apply.

Together with the Senior Phase leadership team and other HE team members, the person will assist in conducting individual guidance, group sessions and workshops to students, parents and staff. 

Main Accountabilities 

• Organising meetings and presentations with HE representatives, including HE Fairs and visits to the school;
• Assisting in organising visits to HE events outside school;
• Conducting guidance interviews and testing of students, advising students on appropriate choices;
• Conducting meetings with parents to support their child’s decision making and applications;
• Co-ordinating the preparation of HE applications to agreed destinations;
• Writing university references;
• Supporting students’ preparation for interview;
• Maintaining contact and communication with HE institutions worldwide;
• Providing guidance to students about academic choices and the impact on HE applications;
• Attending and participate in professional development;
• Forging good relations with teaching and support staff;
• Working with parents, alumni, and the wider community, create mentoring opportunities, internships and career experiences;
• Proactively liaising with the other Counsellors and the guidance staff over student issues;
• Assessing the needs of individual students who have been referred and planning for a productive path forward;
• Referring on to counsellors, psychological services or for medical treatment outside the school;
• Supporting training or information sessions, for both staff and parents, on such issues as emotional health, presenting factors, and strategies for support
• Taking part in HE events within school which may take place after school hours including support the results period that takes place within school holidays;
• Co-ordinating and monitor accurate data collection of school leaver destinations and to maintain strong relationships with alumni;
• Publicising and promoting resources, advice and guidance available to students in the school;
• Support students in securing internships and work experience placements;
• Develop careers guidance and support for students;
• Assist in maintaining Careers and Guidance resources.

Leadership and Management

There is a possibility of an appointment to the role of Lead HE Counsellor to lead the HE team.  The successful candidate would have the ability to:

• Lead meaningful collaboration;
• Establish, maintain and develop excellent standards and practices within the HE team;
• Lead collaboration across the network of HE counsellors in Hong Kong;
• Lead professional development for the HE team.

Professional Development

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Careers and Higher Education-related issues and developments on a day-to-day basis, and also by attending events in Hong Kong and overseas to increase awareness of Higher Education on an international level.

Strategy and Development

• Contribute to strategy and shared work with the ESF wide HE Counselling Group.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum of Post Graduate qualifications in relevant areas of counselling
• Relevant counselling qualifications such as a Certificate or Diploma in Counselling, Psychology
• Previous experience especially in a guidance, counselling or advisory role
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, listening skills; flexibility to respond to changing situations; ability to work under pressure; team-working skills; attention to detail
• Fluency in English; effective oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge in ICT applications; knowledge of HE systems, institutions and application procedures in at least one country which is a major destination for students of the school.

Full Job Description is available Here . Please visit Our Website  to learn more about the Island School.

Closing Date: 21 Jan 2022

To apply, please click here . 

For enquiries, please contact Hilary Hu at +852 2524 7135 or school@online.island.edu.hk 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities within ESF. 

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools. About 70% of our students have parents who are permanent residents of Hong Kong.

ESF is proud of the high academic and wider achievements of our students. In 2020, 22 ESF students achieved the perfect score of 45 points in the IB Diploma examinations; more than 95% go on to leading universities worldwide.

www.esf.edu.hk