Careers and University Guidance Counsellor - Yas American Academy (AY26/27)

Job Description

Main Duties

• Support students in their personal, academic and career development by providing guidance on University choices, career pathways and skills for future success.
• Track and assessthe progress of students, offering tailored support to help them achieve their academic goals and career aspirations
• Facilitate a smooth post secondary transition by assisting students with University applications, career planning and preparation for life beyond school
• Undertake roles within the school as expected such as duties and ECAs
• Participate in ongoing CPD as expected by the school

Specific Duties

• Implementation of Guidance Programs: The CU Guidance Counselor is responsible for implementing the school's CU guidance policy and program, ensuring that students receive appropriate guidance regarding their postsecondary education and career aspirations
• Career Aspirations Guidance: They understand the career aspirations of students, starting from Cycle 2, provide guidance on planning and aligning student portfolios to meet these aspirations, including subject choices and extracurricular activities
• Postsecondary Options and Applications: The counselor helps students identify suitable local and international post secondary options and ensures that students submit at least one application to a post secondary destination
• Student and Parent Engagement: Engaging with parents throughout the guidance process is crucial, emphasizing the importance of student agency in decision-making
• Administrative Support: The CU Guidance Counselor provides full administrative support for students' postsecondary applications, including writing recommendation letters and reviewing personal statements
• Community and Network Development: Establishing relationships with local postsecondary institutions is essential to facilitate opportunities for students, such as admissions visits and internships
• Continuous Professional Development: Counselors are required to engage in professional development activities to stay updated and effective in their roles
• Support of Gifted and Talented Students and Students with Additional Learning Needs: Give tailored guidance to these students exploring alternative pathways, specialised programmes. Support with scholarships and mentorship opportunities that align with their aspirations.
• Event Organization: The counselor organizes CU guidance events and maintains a calendar of key dates relevant to students' guidance need
• Plan and coordinate career and university guidance events, ensuring students have access to valuable opportunities for exploration and decision making.
• Alumni Connection: Fosters excellent relationships with alumni and track their pathways

Minimum Qualifications

• At least a QFE 7 (Bachelor’s Degree) in any subject and meeting Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements as per this policy OR
• At least a QFE 7 (Bachelor’s Degree) in any subject and having been employed as a former or current teacher/educator.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum of 2 years experience in school counselling or other counselling experience required

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Appropriate license to carryout student counselling
• Strong interpersonal skills with both students and parents
• Demonstrable organizational skills
• Strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence
• Must possess high emotional and physical energy to handle the array of problems addressed
• Maintains the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism
• Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
• Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance. ­­­­­­­­