Lead Counsellor

About GESS As one of the leading international schools in Singapore, GESS is home to students from over 70 nations worldwide. We are for many families the home away from home and we are very happy that they are part of our school community which is based on mutual support and solidarity. With our language programme, we support our students to nurture this part of their identity and want to preserve the opportunity that they can grow up with multiple languages to be best prepared for an international environment. With the German International Abitur or the IB Programme they are perfectly prepared for their career after school. Our students enjoy lifelong learning and we take pride in our GESS values of respect, openness and diversity which our students will nurture in their life after school. We were awarded with the “Deutsche Schulpreis” (German school prize) 2022, which was given to us for our extraordinary concept according to their motto “Make teaching better”. We stand out as the only German school abroad nominated for this award. Lead Counsellor commencing: 1st August 2025 The role of the Lead Counsellor is to coordinate the GESS Counselling Team and Counselling Programs. The key responsibilities are developing professional counselling practices and procedures and implementing programmes and initiatives around mental health and social-emotional wellbeing across the school. The Lead Counsellor will also be a key member in the Safeguarding Team and Pastoral Care Team. Student Wellbeing Programme and Practice Strategic Development & Standards of Practice Supporting strategic development of the Counselling Team and counselling programme in line with the Senior Management Team and the Head of Student Wellbeing. Ensure counselling policies and procedures are completed. Facilitate development of a coordinated counselling approach in the school that aligns with professional standards and standards of practice approved by the Senior Management Team. These include: Case documentation and record storage systems. Distribution of counsellor time for direct/indirect support and programme management. Structured support and case management plans for students – from the point of referral (by self or others) to developing independence and ability to self-manage. Auditing existing counselling programme and finding key development areas. Generate a development plan for school counselling at GESS. Whole-school Counselling Programme Ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach to social-emotional support for students. Developing with the Counselling Team community engagement events, projects and materials. Coordinate a calendar of events for community engagement around mental health and social-emotional wellbeing. Leading in-school workshops for different sections of the community (i.e. parents, students, staff). Professional learning Mentoring new team members. Helping to identify the professional learning needs of teams. Social-Emotional Support for Students Promotion of Student Wellbeing / Universal Support Programmes Defining and developing with the Counselling Team, universal support for students (Tier 1 needs). Promoting student wellbeing through advocacy and engagement. Specialised/Targeted Interventions Defining and developing with the Counselling Team, specialised and targeted support/interventions for students (Tier 2 and 3 needs). Student and parent communication Developing with the Counselling Team clear and timely information to be shared with students and parents when necessary (e.g. promoting upcoming events). Developing and/or collating resources with the Counselling Team for students and/or parents when necessary (e.g. bereavement in the community). Collaborations Collaborating with the Counselling Team, Head of Student Wellbeing and Deputies of Departments around supports for students in need. Personnel Management Coordination Charing the Counselling Team meetings and establishing agendas and minutes. Attending and contributing to the Safeguarding Team and Pastoral Care Team meetings. Collaborating with the Vice Principal and Head of Student Wellbeing during crises. Coordinating the Counselling Team during crises. Knowing and enacting relevant GESS policies, procedures and guides. Facilitating respectful, trustful and fair conduct within teams. Resource Management Budgeting Generate yearly budget requirements for GESS’ Counselling programs. Purchasing resources required for GESS’ Counselling programs with approvals from Vice Principal. Facilities Ensuring the management and upkeep of the Student Wellbeing Centre. Additional responsibilities All other responsibilities and tasks as deemed appropriate by the Vice Principal. Experience and Qualifications Recognised counselling qualification (minimum four-year degree), Masters preferred. At least four years of experience as a school counsellor in an international school setting. Qualifications in educational psychology and/or experience in learning support a plus. Work collaboratively, professionally and effectively within a team. Adapt to and embrace a new school environment. Interested candidates should submit the following: A letter of application explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in the German European School Singapore (GESS) and the position. Applications will close by: 16 February 2025 Fair Recruitment and Safeguarding: We are committed to fair recruitment practices and safeguarding the welfare of all students. We ensure that our hiring processes are free from discrimination and bias on the basis of age, nationality, gender, marital status, pregnancy status, caregiving responsibilities, race, religion, language, disability or mental health conditions. As part of our commitment to safeguarding, we conduct thorough background checks on all candidates which include criminal background checks in all countries lived and worked in for the last ten years, as well as reference checks. Any offer is subject to the satisfactory completion of such checks. Our school prioritises the safety and well-being of our students, and we expect all staff members to uphold these values. #J-18808-Ljbffr