Careers & University Counsellor - American Cluster - Immediate Start

Aldar Education is currently seeking a Careers and University Guidance Counsellor to lead the careers advisory service across our American curriculum schools, starting as soon as possible. This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi's leading school group. Working across our three American curriculum schools - Yas American Academy, Yasmina American School, and Virginia American School - you'll provide first-class guidance to our growing student community. 

The successful candidate will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

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


• Experience of the American curriculum and global university network

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills   

• Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual - Arabic/English


• 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