School 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.

School Counsellor

The German European School Singapore (GESS) is looking for an experienced  School Counsellor, for our European International School, commencing 1 August 2027.

Job Purpose

The School Counsellor plays a pivotal role within their designated section, whilst being available to provide support across the whole school when necessary. The main priority of the School Counsellor are the students, with assistance for families and staff also part of the role. The School Counsellor acts in a planning, preventive, flexible, and situational manner, keeping prevention and individual case work in balanced proportions.

The School Counsellor collaborates closely with the various departments of the school, to create a support team around the student. The School Counsellor works closely with the school academic managers to implement preventative safeguarding measures and proactive initiatives that support the social health and emotional wellbeing of the GESS community.

It is the responsibility of the School Counsellor, along with all staff at GESS, to promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and young people.

Responsibility

Collaborate closely with Principals, middle managers and the wellbeing team to support student wellbeing initiatives, personalised interventions and crisis management.

Provide individual and small-group counselling using evidence-based approaches to address students’ social-emotional, behavioural and academic concerns.

Lead student support meetings, develop intervention plans and coordinate support with teachers, parents, external professionals and agencies.

Develop and facilitate prevention programmes, awareness lessons, workshops and training for students, staff and parents to promote social-emotional wellbeing.

Support teachers in implementing behaviour management, self-regulation strategies and Tier 1 and 2 interventions.

Develop, implement and evaluate school-wide wellbeing programmes aligned with the school's strategic plan, incorporating innovative, evidence-based and data-driven practices.

Provide brief consultations and appropriate referrals for staff requiring counselling support.

Maintain confidential counselling records, case management lists and documentation in accordance with professional and ethical standards.

Support the development and review of student wellbeing policies, procedures and related documentation.

Collaborate with safeguarding leads and relevant teams to develop Student Wellbeing Support Plans and coordinate the Child Protection (CP) curriculum across Primary and Secondary.

Maintain professional registration where relevant, uphold safeguarding and confidentiality requirements, and adhere to GESS policies, professional standards and Singapore regulations.

Engage in continuous professional development, supervision and networking with counselling and child protection professionals.

Uphold GESS' core values of Respect, Openness and Diversity.

Undertake other responsibilities as assigned by the line manager and functional line managers.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential Requirements

• Advanced degree in School Counselling, Social Work, Psychology or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience working with children and/or young people in an educational, social work, clinical or counselling setting.
• Strong interpersonal communication and professional collaboration skills.
• Flexible, with a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Proficient in using computers and relevant technology.

Preferred Requirements

• Knowledge of or experience in child protection and safeguarding, including relevant training.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience using therapeutic approaches such as CBT, ACT, DBT, Play-Based Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

Technical and Soft Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships across diverse cultures, generations and all levels of the organisation.
• Positive, enthusiastic, patient, resourceful and observant, with high personal integrity.
• Strong collaboration, teamwork and leadership skills, with a commitment to developing others and improving whole-school standards and student outcomes.
• Results-driven, with the ability to evaluate performance, provide support, make informed decisions and ensure accountability.
• Innovative and critical thinker with an awareness of evolving global trends in education.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Proactive, adaptable and flexible, with the ability to meet deadlines and embrace new ideas.

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, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, caregiving responsibilities, race, religion, language or disability. 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.