Job Description

Join ISZL as our next

High School Social Emotional Counsellor

At the International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL), we're not just another international school. We're a vibrant, curious, and courageous learning community where over 1,200 students from over 65 nationalities come together to explore, create, and grow.


The ISZL School Counsellors, guided by the International School Counselor Association (ISCA) model, work in partnership with students, staff, and families to foster student growth and success. In alignment with ISZL's mission, they support a community of learners determined to make the world - or our corner of it - a better, kinder place. By applying research-based practices, they empower students to discover, explore, and achieve their potential as lifelong learners, embracing opportunities and challenges with a spirit of enthusiastic inquiry. Through a holistic, data informed programme, ISZL Counsellors nurture students' personal, social/emotional, academic, and future wellbeing, while also promoting a positive and inclusive school climate.



This is a full-time position and will begin in August of 2026.

The Role

The High School Counsellor is expected to:

Direct and Indirect Counselling Services

Provides individual and small group counselling services that are grounded in evidence-based, culturally competent, practices to support students' social/emotional, academic, and personal growth. Delivers school counselling core curriculum lessons or activities in the classroom and large-group settings, ensuring that Tier 1 (MTSS) counselling services are accessible and equitable for all students. Designs and implements short-term, Tier 2, interventions to support students in areas such as emotional regulation, social skill development, and conflict resolution. As a member of the Student Support Services Team, designs Student Support Plans for students with mild-to-moderate social-emotional and/or behavioural needs, acts as their Case Manager, and ensures the delivery of the identified support. Support students in times of transition, crisis, or challenge. Serves as a Child Protection Officer (CPO), responds to safeguarding concerns in line with school policies and legal requirements, and promotes the safety and welfare of all students and children. Engages in regular and reflective consultation to share expertise and problem-solve with educators, families, and other professionals. Collaborates with parents, educators, and external providers to share strategies and foster connections that support student wellbeing and academic achievement, while monitoring progress as needed. Uses the majority of time providing direct and indirect counselling services (>80%) and the remaining time (<20%) in programme planning or support.

Programme Development & Delivery

Designs and implements a comprehensive, ISCA-aligned counselling programme. Maintains confidentiality, ethical standards, and professional boundaries in line with ISCA and safeguarding best practices. Collaborates with school leadership to identify divisional and school-wide needs and identifies ways in which they can support through the counselling programme. Follows school policies and counselling team protocols to guide work; ensuring transparency and consistency in their response to student needs.

Programme Assessment & Advocacy

Serves as an advocate for student wellbeing, ensuring their voices are heard and valued in decision-making. Identifies and analyzes school and programme data to inform the programme and measure impact. Ensures counselling services, interventions, and student interactions are documented accurately and in a timely manner, in accordance with school policies and ethical guidelines. Conducts self-analysis to determine strengths and areas of improvement and plans professional development accordingly. Conducts school counselling programme assessments and shares the results data with relevant stakeholders. Actively partners as a member of the school counselling team, consulting regularly with colleagues and contributing to the ongoing growth, evaluation, and improvement of the counselling programme.

What we're looking for

Required:

Advanced Degree:

Master's degree in School Counselling, a Master's in Psychology, or an equivalent postgraduate degree in Counselling or closely related field.

Practical Experience:

At least 3 years providing mental health and/or counselling services to children and/or teens.

Preferred:

Certification & Professional Memberships:

Certification or licensure in School Counselling, with membership in professional bodies such as ISCA (International School Counselor Association) or equivalent.

International Experience:

Previous experience working in an international or multicultural school setting and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, families, and staff from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Child Protection and Safeguarding Expertise:

Training or experience in safeguarding, child protection, and handling sensitive student welfare cases.

Why ISZL?

Because ISZL is more than a school. It's a community where:

Students inspire you daily.

With 65 nationalities, curiosity and cultural diversity are part of every lesson.

Innovation matters.

We champion bold ideas in teaching and learning.

Collaboration is real.

You'll be part of a team that supports and challenges each other, in a school that believes learning is a shared journey.

Switzerland is your campus.

Lakes, mountains, and world-class cities are all at your doorstep--balance professional impact with an incredible lifestyle.

At ISZL, you don't just join a school. You join a mission to grow courageous, compassionate learners--and you get to have a lot of fun doing it. Come join us!

How to apply

Submit one PDF with a letter of interest and CV via the application link found in the Employment section of ISZL's website.

Key ISZL Reference Documents

Guiding Statements Professional Standards Teaching Standards Learning Principles Inclusion Policy Visit the Employment section of ISZL's website for more information

ISZL is an equal-opportunity employer

As such, ISZL agrees to support, respect, and seek inclusion with regard to the safety and care of all community members, including potential members looking to join our school. This includes but is not limited to: age; disabilities; ethnicity; gender; gender expression; gender identity; health needs; languages spoken; marital status; mental health; national origin; political affiliation; race; religion; sex; sexual orientation, and any additional characteristic protected under Swiss law.


ISZL endeavours to understand and protect the civil and human rights of all individuals, striving to maintain a high level of multicultural awareness and knowledge about all applicable laws and statutes related to non-discrimination and inclusion.

Child Protection

ISZL is committed to the use of the International Task Force on Child Protection screening and assessment practices for schools for all hiring processes. ISZL takes very seriously its responsibility for safeguarding our students against abuse and neglect. All staff and other adults associated with ISZL are expected to share this commitment and to immediately report any concerns regarding a student's safety or well-being.




PK2aSxEiUq