Careers & University Counsellor - American Cluster - Immediate Start

Role Overview

Careers & University Counsellor - American Cluster with Aldar Education, starting immediately. The role serves students across three American curriculum schools: Yas American Academy, Yasmina American School, and Virginia American School, located in Abu Dhabi.

Company Overview

Aldar Education is a leading school group in Abu Dhabi operating a family of schools with a shared ethos and core values.

Role Purpose

To lead the careers advisory service across the American curriculum cluster, providing first-class guidance to help students navigate personal, academic, and career development through their secondary education and into postsecondary transitions.

Key Responsibilities

Guidance Program Implementation

• Implement the school's careers and university guidance policy and program across the American cluster schools.
• Ensure students receive appropriate guidance regarding postsecondary education and career aspirations.

Student Development & Support

• Support students in personal, academic, and career development by providing guidance on university choices, career pathways, and skills for future success.
• Track and assess student progress, offering tailored support to help them achieve academic goals and career aspirations.
• Understand the career aspirations of students starting from Cycle 2 and provide guidance on planning and aligning student portfolios to meet these aspirations, including subject choices and extracurricular activities.
• Give tailored guidance to gifted and talented students and students with additional learning needs, exploring alternative pathways and specialized programmes.
• Support gifted and talented students and students with additional learning needs with scholarships and mentorship opportunities that align with their aspirations.

Postsecondary Transition & Applications

• Facilitate a smooth postsecondary transition by assisting students with university applications, career planning, and preparation for life beyond school.
• Help students identify suitable local and international postsecondary options.
• Ensure that students submit at least one application to a postsecondary destination.
• Provide full administrative support for students' postsecondary applications, including writing recommendation letters and reviewing personal statements.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with parents throughout the guidance process, emphasizing the importance of student agency in decision-making.
• Establish relationships with local postsecondary institutions to facilitate opportunities for students, such as admissions visits and internships.
• Foster excellent relationships with alumni and track their pathways.

Event Organization & Planning

• Organize careers and university guidance events and maintain a calendar of key dates relevant to students' guidance needs.
• Plan and coordinate career and university guidance events, ensuring students have access to valuable opportunities for exploration and decision-making.

School Community

• Undertake roles within the school as expected, such as duties and extracurricular activities.
• Participate in ongoing Continuous Professional Development as expected by the school.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least a QFE 7 (Bachelor's Degree) in any subject and meeting Continuous Professional Development requirements as per school policy, OR at least a QFE 7 (Bachelor's Degree) in any subject with prior or current employment as a teacher or educator.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in school counselling or other counselling experience.
• Experience of the American curriculum and global university network.

Skills & Competencies

• Bilingual Arabic and English preferred.
• Appropriate license to carry out student counselling.
• Strong interpersonal skills with both students and parents.
• Demonstrable organizational skills.
• Strong desire to help others and ability to inspire respect, trust, and confidence.
• High emotional and physical energy to handle the array of problems addressed.
• Maintains the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

Additional Information

• Engage in professional development activities to stay updated and effective in the role.