Lead Counsellor - Al Hamra Campus - Required Immediately

Inteachers ApS; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

British International School Riyadh (BISR) is seeking a Lead Counsellor for the Al Hamra Campus to lead the school’s counselling service, oversee safeguarding, and collaborate with the wider Student Support Services team.

The role involves delivering high‑quality counselling, guiding teachers, and driving wellbeing initiatives within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment. A professional qualification and ongoing supervision are required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in school counselling or child/adolescent counselling.
• Strong safeguarding judgement and knowledge of child protection.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with students, staff and families.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams and with welfare/pastoral services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the whole-school counselling service at Al Hamra Campus.
• Deliver high-quality counselling to students, with ethical practice and case management.
• Advise and support teachers and tutors on wellbeing and student transitions.
• Contribute to proactive wellbeing initiatives and staff development within Student Support Services.

Skills

Counselling experience

Safeguarding knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Professional qualification in counselling/psychotherapy

Registration with professional body (e.g., BACP)

Job description

Lead Counsellor - Al Hamra Campus - Required Immediately

Closing date of applications
27th September 2026
Start date
1st November 2026
Date Contract Ends
Unknown

Job details

Subject
School Counsellor
Role
Counsellor
Level
Ages 11-18 / Secondary
Curriculum
English National
Positions available
1
Contract type
Permanent
Vacancy type
Full Time
Salary
Teachers Pay scale M1-M6 + Annual Allowance

Requirements

2 or more years experience

Our school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and as a British School Overseas (BSO). Additionally, BISR is a member of the British Schools of the Middle East (BSME), the Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO), the Heads Conference (HMC), and the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).

Following the English curriculum, which is greatly enriched by the local and international context, BISR offers a holistic learning experience. Our broad co-curricular program includes extra-curricular activities, student leadership opportunities, service learning initiatives, and residential trips. We are also committed to strong pastoral care to support student well-being.

The role of Lead Counsellor is an opportunity to lead and further develop a whole-school counselling service in a leading international school. We are seeking an experienced Counsellor to lead the development of counselling provision at our Al Hamra Campus.

This is a specialist role for an experienced counselling professional. The postholder will initially be the sole on-site counsellor, delivering high-quality counselling support to students while holding responsibility for counselling systems, ethical practice and quality assurance within the school’s Student Support Services framework.

Working in a highly supportive, multidisciplinary environment, alongside Safeguarding, Support for Learning (SEND), nursing and pastoral colleagues, the Counsellor will also benefit from close professional collaboration with counsellor colleagues across the wider BISR group, ensuring shared practice, supervision and professional dialogue.

In addition to responsive counselling provision, the role contributes to proactive and preventative wellbeing work. This includes advising and supporting teachers and tutors, contributing to transition and onboarding processes for new students and families, and supporting the development of whole-school wellbeing and peer-support initiatives (such as buddy or mentoring programmes). This work is collaborative and system-focused, complementing pastoral provision rather than replacing it.

Bring extensive experience in counselling children and young people, strong safeguarding judgement, and possess the ability to work confidently as a sole practitioner while influencing practice across the wider school community.

Hold a recognised professional qualification in counselling or psychotherapy appropriate for work with children and young people.

Have active and ongoing registration with an appropriate professional body e.g. BACP or equivalent

Have significant experience delivering counselling to children and/or adolescents, ideally within a school or educational context.

Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of safeguarding and child protection, including thresholds, escalation and information-sharing.

Have experience managing complex cases and working within multidisciplinary teams.

Show evidence of sound professional judgement, ethical practice and reflective working.

Be committed to ongoing clinical supervision and professional development.

Possess outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with students, staff, parents, and external stakeholders.

We can offer:

Highly motivated and engaged students

A school with a strong sense of community

A learning focused school committed to staff development

Motivated, hard-working and dedicated colleagues, who are committed to high quality learning, student well-being and the school's enrichment programmes

Closing date for applications: Sunday, 27 September 2026.

Comprehensive background checks will be required for all staff.

BISR believes very strongly in the role of the school in safeguarding children and young people. All staff, whatever their role in the school, will be required to undergo rigorous background checks before commencing employment.

BISR is unreservedly committed to creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students. We believe that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and that every child, regardless of age, ability, gender, culture, religion, or background, has the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Our commitment extends to fostering a culture of mutual respect, trust, and transparency among students, staff, parents, and the wider community. We are dedicated to ensuring that all children are provided with a secure and nurturing environment that promotes their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development.

All applicants, whether for teaching or non-teaching positions, must provide the following in support of their application:

BISR teachers should possess the following:

Qualifications:

Qualified Teacher status.

Certificate of Education (PGCE or B.Ed).

Relevant training or qualifications for the specific post.

Appreciation of a British school's demands in an international context.

Commitment to the school's co-curricular life.

Understanding of intercultural awareness and cultural sensitivity.

Recognition of responsibility for students' holistic growth and well-being.

Experience:

Experience in various contexts (UK and international).

Experience teaching within a Key Stage or subject.

Experience with positive behavior management strategies.

Experience planning for diverse learning needs, including highly able students.

Experience in curriculum development, monitoring, and assessment.

Experience with second language students or willingness to train.

Skills and Abilities:

Detailed knowledge of the English National Curriculum.

Ability to create a stimulating learning environment and demonstrate creative teaching.

Willingness to collaborate with colleagues.

Good organizational skills for recording and evaluating progress.

Effective communication skills with pupils, parents, and colleagues.

Time management and ability to direct teaching assistants.

Understanding of Assessment for Learning strategies.

Desire to develop knowledge across the curriculum.

Personal Qualities:

Warmth and sense of humor.

Flexibility.

Team player.

Commitment to professional development.

Willingness to participate in co-curricular activities.

High expectations for self and students.

Empathy with all stakeholders.

BISR values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture, committed to equality of opportunity and creating an environment where everyone is valued and respected as a global citizen.