Head- Career and College Guidance
Good Shepherd International School View all jobs
- Udagamandalam, Tamil Nadu
- Permanent
- Full-time
Section: Senior School (Grades XI & XII)
Department: Career Counselling DepartmentReporting: SLTRole PurposeThe Head Career & College Guidance will lead the career, university, and further education guidance program for Higher Secondary students, enabling them to make informed academic and career decisions. The role involves career counselling, university placement guidance, student mentoring, assessment interpretation, documentation, and collaboration with academic teams and parents to support students’ post-secondary aspirations.Key Roles and ResponsibilitiesI. Strategic Planning & Program Development● Develop and implement a comprehensive career counselling strategy aligned with the school’s academic programs and global university pathways.● Design structured career exploration programs, university fairs, workshops, and awareness sessions for students and parents.● Align university program pathways with school curricula (IB, ISC, IGCSE or equivalent) to ensure students make informed subject and career choices.● Continuously review counselling strategies based on student outcomes, university placements, and emerging career opportunities.● Motivate students to identify and pursue their career aspirations with clarity and confidence.● Create awareness of emerging careers, higher education trends, and global opportunities.II. Career Coaching & Student Guidance● Conduct individual and group career counselling sessions for school students.● Use aptitude, personality, and achievement assessments to help students evaluate their interests, strengths, and abilities.● Analyze students’ academic background, subject combinations, extracurricular achievements, and personal interests to guide career decisions.● Support students in selecting university programs, courses, and career pathways aligned with their strengths and aspirations.● Help and guide students completely on applications for different countries and courses. Work with students on their Statements of Purpose, Admission Essays, Letters of Motivation etc to help them craft a meaningful application.● Assist students in preparing for university interview preparation.● Teach students career readiness skills such as networking, resume writing, and interview techniques etc.● Maintain an approachable and supportive counselling environment, ensuring students feel comfortable seeking guidance.● Maintain structured communication with parents through documented email communication and scheduled counselling meetings.● Apply a 360-degree counselling approach, integrating academic performance, behavioural observations, extracurricular engagement, and personal development.III. Assessment, Reporting & Feedback● Plan and implement career assessments and learning evaluations that support student growth and decision-making.● Administer and interpret personality assessments, aptitude tests, and career inventories annually.● Organize standardised aptitude testing during the academic year to help students understand subject-career alignment.● Manage and maintain student application records through ManageBac and BridgeU, including:○ Transcripts○ Letters of recommendation○ School profiles○ Application documents for universities● Provide regular oral and written feedback to students and parents.● Share assessment reports and counselling summaries with parents once every term.● Prepare student progress reports covering academic, social, emotional, and career development.● Highlight student achievements and development areas during Parent-Teacher Meetings.● Review counselling practices periodically based on feedback from the Director of Counselling and school leadership.IV. Documentation & Data Management● Maintain accurate and confidential records of counselling sessions, assessments, and student progress.● Document counselling reports and store assessment records for future reference.● Maintain updated records within school systems such as ManageBac and BridgeU.● Submit weekly or periodic reports to the SLT highlighting progress, challenges, and recommendations.● Track student career pathways, university placements, and counselling outcomes for institutional review.V. Confidentiality & Ethical Practice● Maintain strict confidentiality of counselling sessions and student records.● Share information with school leadership only when student welfare, safety, or school interests require intervention.● Follow the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies in all counselling practices.VI. Student Wellbeing, Behaviour & Safeguarding● Foster a safe, respectful, and supportive counselling environment.● Promote self-awareness, responsibility, and emotional wellbeing among students.● Act as a positive role model, demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and integrity.● Support the school in promoting safeguarding and student welfare policies.● Raise concerns regarding student safety or wellbeing through established school protocols.VII. Teamwork & Collaboration● Work closely with school leadership, coordinators, teachers, and counsellors to support student development.● Participate actively in department meetings and strategic planning sessions.● Collaborate with teachers to identify students needing academic or career support.● Plan sessions for teachers to help them understand the upcoming needs of universities.● Engage with parents and guardians to guide student career decisions.● Represent the school in career fairs, university interactions, and professional forums.● Support new student admissions by explaining curriculum pathways and career planning opportunities.● Participate in professional development programs, workshops, and conferences.Key Working RelationshipsInternal● SLT● Coordinators● Heads of Department● Teachers● StudentsExternal● Parents and Guardians● Universities and Admissions Representatives● Career Assessment Agencies● Educational Consultants and External ExpertsQualification & ExperienceEssential●● Master’s in Psychology / Counselling / Education● 5+ years experience in student counselling, preferably in an international school environment● IC3 certification or training● Familiarity with university application platforms like:○ Common App○ UCAS○ Naviance● Experience working with university placements and higher education guidanceDesirable● Experience with IB / international curriculum counselling● Familiarity with ManageBac, BridgeU,Toddle or university application systems● Experience in student career assessments and psychometric testingCompetenciesFunctional Competencies● Career counselling and coaching● Student assessment and aptitude analysis● University admissions processes and global education pathways● Data management and documentation systems● Programme planning and career guidance workshops● IT and counselling software skillsBehavioural Competencies● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills● Empathy, approachability, and student-centered mindset● Strong organizational and time management skills● Critical thinking and decision-making ability● Conflict resolution and counselling ethics● Flexibility and adaptability in a residential school environment● Collaboration and leadership skillsPlease share your upadted resume to hr-head@gsis.ac.in