School Counsellor (Maternity Cover/ 40–60%) with permanent Psychology teaching option

Academia is one of the largest education providers in Switzerland. Over 1,000 committed teachers and motivated staff work in over 20 locations to help our customers reach their personal educational goals and make the most of their potential.

Would you like to be part of our team?

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.

Your Responsibilities

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.

Your Profile

• 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.