Join ISZL as our next High School Social Emotional Counsellor
At the International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL), we are not just another international school. We are a vibrant, curious, and courageous learning community where over 1,200 students from more than 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 alignment with ISZL’s mission. They support a community of learners determined to make the world, or our corner of it, a kinder place. Through 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. A holistic, data‑informed programme nurtures students’ personal, social/emotional, academic, and future wellbeing while promoting a positive and inclusive school climate.
This is a full‑time position that will begin in August 2026.
The Role
The High School Counsellor is expected to:
* Provide individual and small‑group counselling services grounded in evidence‑based, culturally competent practices to support students’ social, emotional, academic, and personal growth.
* Deliver 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.
* Design and implement short‑term Tier 2 interventions to support students in areas such as emotional regulation, social‑skill development, and conflict resolution.
* Act as a member of the Student Support Services Team, designing Student Support Plans for students with mild‑to‑moderate social‑emotional and/or behavioural needs, acting as their case manager, and ensuring the delivery of identified support.
* Support students during times of transition, crisis, or challenge.
* Serve as a Child Protection Officer, respond to safeguarding concerns in line with school policies and legal requirements, and promote the safety and welfare of all students and children.
* Engage in regular, reflective consultation to share expertise and problem‑solve with educators, families, and other professionals.
* Collaborate with parents, educators, and external providers to share strategies and foster connections that support student well‑being and academic achievement while monitoring progress as needed.
* Use the majority of time providing direct and indirect counselling services (>80%) and the remaining time (<20%) in programme planning or support.
* Design and implement a comprehensive ISCA‑aligned counselling programme.
* Maintain confidentiality, ethical standards, and professional boundaries in line with ISCA and safeguarding best practices.
* Collaborate with school leadership to identify divisional and school‑wide needs and identify ways to support them through the counselling programme.
* Follow school policies and counselling team protocols to guide work, ensuring transparency and consistency in responses to student needs.
* Serve as an advocate for student well‑being, ensuring their voices are heard and valued in decision‑making.
* Identify and analyze school and programme data to inform the programme and measure impact.
* Ensure counselling services, interventions, and student interactions are documented accurately and timely in accordance with school policies and ethical guidelines.
* Conduct self‑analysis to determine strengths and areas for improvement and plan professional development accordingly.
* Conduct school counselling programme assessments and share results with relevant stakeholders.
* Actively partner 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, Psychology, or an equivalent postgraduate degree in Counselling or a 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 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
* 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.
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 endeavors 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.
Employment Type: Full‑Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
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