FEP Counsellor & Guardianship Liaison

XCL World Academy is seeking to appoint a Foundational English Programme Counsellor & Guardianship Liaison. This is a full-time contract position starting from 1 August 2025.

The successful incumbent will support students in the Secondary Years division, who come from a wide range of national backgrounds, including a significant number from China, Japan, and Korea. The Counsellor provides support and guidance to students individually, in small groups, and within classroom settings, focusing on their academic, social, emotional, and personal development.

Identifying students’ academic and social/emotional needs, as well as providing any necessary interventions, is essential in removing barriers to learning and helping students develop skills and behaviours critical for academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes and skills students acquire during these years build the foundation for future success. In addition, The Foundational English Programme Counsellor & Guardianship Liaison is assigned to support and work closely with those student pass holders living in the care of an appointed guardian.

Main Responsibilities
-Advocate, provide counselling, psychoeducational assessment and individual student support, recommendations and advice to students, teachers and parents concerning educational, behavioural, mental health and family issues.
-Work as part of a multidisciplinary team and facilitate effective working relationships and partnerships with parents, school personnel and external support agencies in order to provide a comprehensive support, case management and referral service that optimises students’ access and engagement in educational programs.
-Provide a counselling and referral service to assist students in decision making about critical educational, personal, social, and emotional development, and provide ongoing support during the implementation phase of their decision.
-Assist schools in the implementation of student protection, gifted and talented education, behaviour support policies and risk management processes that may involve the development of individualised student plans.
-Balance the ethical issues of privacy and confidentiality for each student with the appropriateness of sharing information with others, and maintain a comprehensive and professional record keeping system that complies with policy and legal requirements of parental and legal access to official records.
-Participate in relevant professional development, and prepare and implement professional and personal skill development programs and in-service activities for administrators, teachers and parents/guardians.
-Provide leadership and specialised support in response to student protection issues; critical incidents and emergencies; and the transition of students into alternative education programs, and their reintegration back into mainstream schooling.
-Work collaboratively with other school-based support personnel to assess and address the needs of students requiring the most intensive behaviour support.
-Actively collaborates with FEP and SY teams to develop and support the creation of EAL-specific PSHE curriculum and proficiency appropriate implementation of the PSHE curriculum.
-Maintains overall knowledge and collaborates with other Heads of Grades to support vertical and horizontal alignment of EAL supports and strategies into the PSHE curriculum.
-Curriculum/ PSHE programme development and support (In conjunction with the SY Dean of Student Life).
-Facilitates transitions from FEP into XWA or other pathways (In conjunction with the Dean of Student Life, Curriculum Coordinator(s), School Counsellors).
-Orientation and ongoing coaching and support for grade level homeroom teachers.
-Monitors attendance of students on Student Pass (using provided monthly reports) and provides interventions or escalations.
-Provide regular updates to the principals (in regards to student wellbeing and academic progress).
-Maintain an accurate database of students holding S Pass and contact details of guardians and parents.
-Maintain an open line of communication with the appointed guardians.
-Work with the Admissions Team to monitor student accommodation and report concerns.

Person Specifications
-Master’s degree in education with a specialization in the field of guidance and counseling, psychology and/or similar qualification (Social Work).
-Minimum 2 years Counsellor and/or Social Work experience in an international school setting.
-Preferred minimum 2 years of relevant IB programme experience working in international school.
-High proficiency in Mandarin and able to communicate (verbal & written) effectively with non-English speaking students and parents
-Demonstrated understanding of the needs of third culture/international students and students in transition.
-Has experience working with students who are living under a guardianship arrangement (Student Pass Holder).
-Understands and adapts to the diverse cultural backgrounds of our staff, students and parents/guardians.
-Goes beyond expectations in supporting student ambitions and goals.
-Is available for students, parents/guardians and is an advocate for his/her students.
-Organized, proactive and solution focused.
-Has demonstrated the ability to work well in teams and contributes positively to team building.
-Has demonstrated a positive relationship with all members of the school community.
-Demonstrates positive influence and highly effective communication skills.
-Salary commensurate with experience (International School) and according to the School's teaching scale.
-This is a full time 2 years contract position, renewal will be offered based on performances and School direction.

Application
Qualified candidates are welcome to apply for the position by 22 June 2025.

About Us
XCL World Academy is an international school in Singapore for students aged 2 to 18, fully committed to the academic, emotional and social development of its students. We are immensely proud to be the first and only international school in Singapore authorized to offer all four International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes.

We aspire to recruit employees that share and understand our commitment to empowering an international community of happy learners who aspire to positively impact others. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to Safer Recruitment processes such as interviews, employment reference checks, identity and criminal record checks.