School psychologist/counselor

The Island Private School of Limassol in Cyprus opened for the first 500 students in September 2022, and is now looking for competent, experienced and, above all, passionate School Counselor/Head of Learning Support to join the team.

We are also in the process of planning our new school campus on a beautiful 50,000 m2 site to be completed approximately by the end of 2025, that will include kindergartens, elementary and high schools, an international boarding school, and accommodation for teachers. This is a great opportunity to join a growing school on the cusp of a major turning point.

Responsibilities:

Engagement and Interaction – School Ambassador to Internal Community:

- Promote the mission and philosophy of the school;

- Establish a safe, purposeful learning environment for all students;

- Promote the progress and well-being of all students;

- Engage and motivate the students to be ambitious for themselves and others;

- Supervise students in and out of classroom activities as part of the regular curricular and extracurricular school programmes;

- Always speak English in the classroom and within the student social areas of the school unless teaching a different language.

Pastoral duties:

- Be a point of contact and provide pastoral care to students in your care;

- Establish a purposeful and safe learning environment for all students;

- Ensure all health and safety procedures are followed with regards to student safety;

- Always attend scheduled duties and in case of absence organise cover;

- Alert appropriate staff to problems experienced by students and make recommendations as to how these may be resolved;

- Communicate, as appropriate, with parents of students and persons or bodies outside the school concerned with the welfare of individual students, after consultation with appropriate staff.

Assessment and evaluation:

- Conduct psychological assessments and evaluations to identify student needs, including learning disabilities, behavioural issues, and emotional difficulties.

Interpret test results and collaborate with educational staff to develop appropriate intervention strategies.

Intervention and support:

- Develop and implement intervention plans for students with identified needs, including behavioural, social, and emotional issues.

- Provide individual and group counselling to students experiencing personal or academic challenges.

- Collaborate with teachers and parents to support the implementation of intervention strategies in the classroom and at home.

Collaboration and consultation:

- Work closely with teachers, administrators, and other school staff to identify students in need of support.

- Provide consultation to teachers on classroom management techniques, student behaviour, and differentiated instruction.

Liaise with external professionals, such as therapists and social workers, to coordinate additional support for students.

Crisis intervention:

- Respond to crisis situations involving students, providing immediate support and intervention.

- Collaborate with school staff to ensure a safe and supportive environment during emergencies.

- Offer guidance on crisis response protocols and staff training.

Student advocacy and support:

- Advocate for the needs of students, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.

- Promote a positive and inclusive school climate that values diversity and fosters respect.

Program development and training:

- Develop and deliver training sessions for teachers, staff, and parents on topics related to mental health, student behaviour, and learning support.

- Contribute to the development of school-wide programs that promote mental health, well-being, and positive behaviour.

- Lead the Sexual education program for the school, ensuring that the syllabus aligns with the Ministry of Education’s requirements and the school’s curriculum. Liaise with the Ministry of Education for updates and to confirm compliance.

Record keeping and compliance:

- Maintain accurate and confidential records of student assessments, interventions, and counselling sessions.

- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to special education, student privacy, and mental health.

Activities beyond the classroom:

- Support the life of school beyond the classroom;

- Attend subject and year group residential activities as required;

- Participate in one committee every school year to contribute to the school activities such as thematic weeks, events and celebrations.

Professional and personal development:

- Commit to further professional development dedicating at least 1 hour per week to professional development tasks;

Maintain professional competence through in-service education and performance management activities;

Manage effective personal development as part of the school’s commitment to invest in staff.

Leadership & Strategy:

- Develop and implement a comprehensive Learning Support strategy in line with the school’s mission and objectives.

Lead and manage the Learning Support team, providing guidance, support, and professional development to staff.

Collaborate with the leadership team to ensure that the learning support needs of students are integrated into the broader curriculum and school policies.

Administrative Duties:

- Manage the Learning Support Department’s budget, resources, and scheduling.

Maintain accurate records of student progress and communicate relevant information to staff and parents.

Stay current with developments in the field of special education and integrate best practices into the school’s Learning Support programs.

Other:

- Follow the Code of Conduct and other School Policies and Procedures;

- Follow other instructions and execute other tasks provided by the Line Manager.

Requirements:

- A Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Specia Education, Counseling who is registered in KY.S.A.T.S.

- A teaching qualification or certification (PGCE, QTS, or equivalent) is an advantage.

- At least 5 years experience in pastoral care, student support, or a similar role is preferred.

- Proven experience working with students in an educational setting.

- Proven experience in special education or learning support, with a strong background in working with students with a variety of learning needs.

- Experience in providing counselling and support to students facing academic, social, or personal challenges.

- Leadership experience in an educational setting, including team management and strategic planning.

- In-depth understanding of learning difficulties, disabilities, and interventions (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders).

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage students and promote a positive learning environment.

- Ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents, and external partners.

- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other languages is an advantage.

Benefits:

- A unique opportunity for a career in a fast-growing polysystemic school.

- Competitive remuneration package based on qualifications and experience.

- Referral Program.

- Modern & Professional Work Environment.

Optional participation in the Company’s Group Medical Scheme.

- Opportunities to learn and develop yourself.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:00.

Safeguarding: At The Island Private School of Limassol, we follow safer recruitment practices and we are committed to the Safeguarding of our students. As such this post is subject to reference and police checks.

GDPR: Applicants should note that based on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), all applications/CVs are kept in our database based on the consent period each candidate applied for. In case you have forwarded us your CV in the past and you are interested in this position, please apply again.