Careers and University Guidance Counsellor

Date: 7 Jan 2025

Location: Abu Dhabi, AE

Job ID: 4556

Careers and University Guidance Counsellor

Nord Anglia International School is looking to appoint an outstanding Careers and University Guidance Counsellor to join a highly successful and expanding school.

About Nord Anglia

At Nord Anglia Education, our schools shape a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who leave our schools with everything they need for success – whatever they choose to be or do in life.

About the School

Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi (NAS Abu Dhabi) lies at the heart of the Emirate, on Al Reem Island. Our mission is to help our students prepare for their futures, think creatively, develop healthy resilience, global awareness, and be team players.

About You

You will be a teacher who is passionate about their profession and seeks continuous improvement. You will have strong experience of the UK national curriculum; further experience of international education will be an added advantage.

Job Purpose

To develop and implement an effective strategy for providing comprehensive careers advice and universities guidance to students, building on existing systems and processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Work with senior leaders and all teachers to assist the school achieve its goal of empowering and enriching lives for future success.
2. Guide a team of form tutors and teachers to assist students in developing, monitoring and updating their academic plans and career goals.
3. Assist students and parents with university and college admissions forms and where appropriate, assist in promoting and securing scholarships.
4. Help students aspire realistically and choose their university courses wisely.
5. Invite and welcome representatives from colleges and universities to the school, work with our Events Team to coordinate University fairs.
6. Develop partnerships locally and worldwide with employers and universities for the benefit of our students and their aspirations.
7. Create and update supporting documents for university admissions.
8. Oversee the administration of aptitude and achievement testing as per university requests.
9. Work with academic leads to identify students who should be encouraged to apply to top universities.
10. Work with staff to provide advice to students and parents about iGCSE and A level subject choices.
11. Keep accurate records of destinations, admissions decisions, awards and statistics.
12. Maintain knowledge of issues and trends in university admissions and higher education.
13. Develop and maintain a network of NASAD student Alumni.
14. Co-ordinate all careers and work experience matters across KS3, 4 and 5.
15. Plan and prepare appropriate PSHME resources on careers and work-related learning.
16. Lead staff training in relation to university guidance.
17. Support students and parents in the post-exam result period.
18. Work with the marketing team to promote student success.
19. Support the development of our Secondary School curriculum related to careers.
20. Lead one or more agreed after-school activities each week.
21. Participate in residential weeks and other trips as appropriate.
22. Contribute to whole school learning initiatives.

Pastoral Duties:

1. Establish a purposeful and safe learning environment for all students.
2. Promote the general progress and well-being of individual students.
3. Contribute to the preparation of action plans and support mechanisms.
4. Alert appropriate staff to problems experienced by students.
5. Communicate effectively with parents.

Other responsibilities:

1. Cover for absent colleagues when necessary.
2. Work effectively in different teams.
3. Assist in whole school marketing initiatives.
4. Keep knowledge of wider curriculum developments up to date.
5. Undertake professional development to enhance teaching and learning.
6. Contribute positively to the morale and community spirit in the school.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications/Training

1. Qualified to bachelor's degree level or above.
2. Qualified Teacher Status.

Experience / Knowledge

1. Minimum of two years' experience teaching UK National Curriculum.
2. Minimum of two years' experience in a similar role.
3. Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
4. The drive to continually strive for improvement.
5. Compassion and kindness towards others.

Skills

1. Excellent communications skills, particularly written and spoken English.
2. Data analysis and presentation.
3. Strong interpersonal and planning skills.

Personal Attributes

1. Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
2. Ability to work under pressure and remain calm.
3. Willingness to take on multiple tasks.
4. Proactive and able to prompt others to ensure deadlines are achieved.

Selection Process

Applicants should submit a CV, letter of application and the details of two professional referees.

Safeguarding

At Nord Anglia Education we are committed to providing a world-class, safe, happy environment in which children and young people are able to thrive and learn.