Workplace
Academia International School, Zurich Oerlikon
Start of employment
July/ August 2025
Workload
40–60% (maternity cover from July/August to December 2025), plus 20% permanent teaching role in AS Psychology (Pearson Edexcel)
About the Role
We are looking for a dedicated and empathetic professional to join our team as a maternity cover for our School Counsellor, with additional responsibility for supporting our Pre-IGCSE programme. This is a multifaceted role that involves working closely with students, teachers, and parents to promote well-being, learning support, and academic continuity in the Pre-IGCSE years.
The successful candidate will ideally be able to take on a 20% teaching assignment in AS Psychology, though this is not mandatory.
Tasks
Counselling, Learning Support & Student Engagement
• Provide individual and group counselling for students addressing emotional, social, academic, and behavioural concerns.
• Respond effectively to crises and implement mental health programmes and workshops.
• Coordinate referrals to external support services when necessary.
• Offer learning assessments, implement individual support plans, and monitor progress.
• Support behavioural management initiatives and promote restorative practices.
• Lead the student council, mentoring student leaders and guiding initiatives that promote school spirit and student voice.
• Organise and coordinate school events related to well-being, community-building, and student life – including wellness days, social-emotional learning activities, and collaborative projects.
Pre-IGCSE Support (in collaboration with School Leadership)
• Help oversee the day-to-day functioning and academic progress of Pre-IGCSE classes.
• Monitor student performance and collaborate on intervention strategies, including academic and behavioural support.
• Assist in the development and implementation of consistent behaviour management strategies within the Pre-IGCSE cohort, in close coordination with teaching staff and the school counsellor.
• Promote a positive, inclusive learning culture, and model effective classroom management techniques.
• Support the transition of students into the IGCSE programme through mentoring, workshops, and social-emotional guidance.
• Contribute to the organisation of Pre-IGCSE events and effective communication with families.
Optional: Teaching AS Psychology (20%)
• Deliver engaging, curriculum-aligned AS Psychology lessons (Pearson Edexcel International).
• Prepare students for exams and assessments through effective teaching strategies.
• Collaborate with other subject teachers and share best practices.
Requirements
• Degree in Counselling, Psychology, Education, or related field (qualification in school counselling or mental health support preferred).
• Proven experience in counselling or school support functions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a high level of empathy.
• Ability to work collaboratively and adaptively in a diverse school environment.
• Experience teaching or interest in teaching Psychology (Pearson Edexcel) is an asset.
• Fluency in English; German skills are a plus.
What makes us special
Academia stands for flexibility and a family working environment. This enables us to offer our employees a good work-life balance. We are an equal opportunities employer.
About our school