Upper School Counsellor - Starting Academic Year 2027

International School of Bergen; Bergen; Sur place; NOK 550 000 - 750 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

International School of Bergen is seeking an experienced School Counsellor for our IB World School in Bergen, Norway. The role requires relocation and on-site work to support student wellbeing and safeguarding across the school community.

You will provide confidential individual and group counselling, collaborate with staff, and support transitions between programmes while contributing to a holistic wellbeing strategy. Proficiency in English and a commitment to safeguarding are essential.

Qualifications

• Qualifed in counselling or related field.
• Experience with child/adolescent development.
• Strong safeguarding and confidentiality understanding.

Responsabilités

• Provide proactive and responsive counselling to students.
• Support a whole-school wellbeing programme.
• Deliver age-appropriate wellbeing guidance and classroom activities.
• Collaborate with teachers and leaders on student wellbeing and safeguarding.

Connaissances

Interpersonal skills

English proficiency

Counselling competence

Relocation willingness

Safeguarding knowledge

Formation

Counselling/School psychology/educational psychology or related field

Description du poste

International School Of Bergen

The International School of Bergen is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and highly skilled School Counsellor to join our vibrant IB World School in Norway.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced counsellors who are genuinely committed to relocating to Norway and becoming part of our school community.

Hva vi ser etter

We welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced counsellors who are genuinely committed to relocating to Norway and becoming part of our school community.

• A current CV.
• A covering letter explaining your relevant counseling experience, qualifications, experience working with children and young people, and motivation for working at the International School of Bergen.
• Contact details for two professional referees, including your current or most recent employer.

Important - Relocation to Norway

Please only apply if you are seriously considering relocating to Bergen, Norway.

Candidates who are currently living outside Norway should be prepared to relocate and meet the relevant Norwegian immigration, visa and work permit requirements, where applicable.

As part of the application process, candidates may be asked to provide information regarding their nationality/passport country and current country of residence so that the school can establish the appropriate immigration and work permit requirements.

This is an on-site based position in Bergen, Norway.

Safeguarding

The International School of Bergen is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All appointments must provide a police background check from your home country and any country you have resided in for 6+ months in the last 10 years. Police background checks must be no more than 3 months old and can be presented prior to appointment.

All staff are expected to uphold the school's safeguarding policies and Code of Conduct.

Previous applicants should reapply if you are still seriously interested in the position.

If you have any questions in regards to this position, please contact Peter Ledger, Director [e-mail] or Laura McGuffie, HR and Finance Manager [e-mail]

Closing Date for applications is 27th November 2026

Arbeidsoppgaver

The School Counsellor will provide proactive and responsive counselling services to students across the school while supporting the implementation of a whole-school wellbeing programme consistent with the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate.

The role includes:

• Providing confidential individual and small-group counselling.
• Supporting students with social, emotional, behavioural and mental health needs.
• Delivering preventative wellbeing programmes and age-appropriate classroom guidance.
• Promoting resilience, self-management, positive relationships and emotional wellbeing.
• Working collaboratively with teachers to identify and support students requiring additional care.
• Advising school leadership on student wellbeing, safeguarding and pastoral care.
• Liaising effectively with parents and guardians to support student success.
• Coordinating referrals to external professionals and Norwegian support services where appropriate.
• Supporting crisis response and student reintegration following significant life events.
• Maintaining accurate, confidential records in accordance with GDPR and Norwegian legislation.
• Contributing to safeguarding procedures and child protection practices.
• Supporting transitions between PYP and MYP where applicable), ensuring continuity of care.
• Promoting inclusion, diversity, intercultural understanding and student voice.

The Successful Candidate Will Have

Essential

• A recognised qualification in Counselling, School Psychology, Educational Psychology, Social Work or a related field.
• Professional registration or eligibility for registration where applicable.
• Experience working with children and adolescents in a school setting.
• Strong understanding of child and adolescent development.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with students, families and staff.
• Commitment to safeguarding and child protection.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• A genuine willingness and ability to relocate to Bergen, Norway.

Desirable

• Previous experience within an IB World School.
• Knowledge of the IB Learner Profile and IB Approaches to Learning (ATL).
• Experience supporting internationally mobile or multilingual students.
• Experience working within multicultural communities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and restorative practices.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Compassionate and approachable.
• Calm and solution-focused.
• Collaborative and reflective.
• Culturally responsive and internationally minded.
• An excellent listener with sound professional judgement.
• Passionate about student wellbeing and inclusion.
• Committed to continuous professional learning.
• Open to embracing life and work within an international school community in Norway.

Vi tilbyr

Why Join Us?

Our school offers:

• A welcoming and diverse international community.
• Students representing many nationalities and cultures.
• A collaborative and supportive staff culture.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Competitive salary and pension.
• The opportunity to live and work in one of the world's most beautiful and family-friendly countries.

ISB is a co-educational private day school which is authorised to deliver the International Baccalaureate PYP and MYP programmes. The school currently has approximately 250 students enrolled from more than 30 nations and is experiencing expanding enrolment. Classes are small with a maximum of 20 students in each instructional group.

Our school is committed to developing internationally minded young people who embody the attributes of the IB Learner Profile. We believe that student wellbeing is fundamental to learning, and we are looking for a counsellor who shares our commitment to nurturing the academic, social, emotional and personal development of every learner.

Working collaboratively with students, families, teachers and school leaders, the successful candidate will play a central role in promoting wellbeing, inclusion, safeguarding and positive mental health across the school community.