Overview

NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. A region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next-generation infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations.

As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.

As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, diversity, passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change.

Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come? Then we want to hear from you!

Role Overview

As a Primary Counselor (Student Wellbeing), you will play a vital role in supporting the mental health and overall wellbeing of students in NEOM Community Schools.

You will provide counseling services, guidance, and support to students, empowering them to navigate personal, academic, and social challenges. Additionally, you will collaborate with the NCS counseling team to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the holistic needs of all students.

You will also provide support to parents, collaborate with teachers, and assist in the implementation of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula and/or Advisory programs.

Requirements Summary

• Ability to work collaboratively with counseling colleagues across divisions and schools to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program, utilizing data collection and analysis.
• Knowledge of various counseling theories, therapeutic techniques, and intervention strategies.
• Familiarity with developmental stages and challenges faced by students.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to connect with students, parents, and school staff effectively.
• Empathy, patience, and the ability to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for students.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Excellent problem-solving and crisis management skills.
• Proficient in using computer systems, data management tools, and counseling-related software.

ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES

The Counselor’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Comprehensive School Counseling Program

• Collaborate with the counseling team and faculty to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program that aligns with the school’s goals.
• Utilize data collection and analysis to inform program planning and interventions, ensuring targeted support for students.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Collect and analyze data related to student well-being, academic performance, and social-emotional development.
• Utilize assessment tools, surveys, and other data sources to identify trends, needs, and areas for improvement.
• Use data to inform decision-making, program evaluation, and intervention strategies.

Individual Counseling

• Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions with students to address personal, social, emotional, and behavioral concerns.
• Utilize research-based best practice to tailor interventions and measure progress.

Group Counseling

• Facilitate group counseling sessions to address common issues affecting students, such as anger/anxiety/stress management, peer relationships, self-esteem, social skills, and conflict resolution.
• Use data to identify group needs and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

Classroom SEL Lessons

• Teach classroom SEL lessons as necessary to support students and/or teachers. These lessons may cover topics such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, based on the student standards from the ISCA (International School Counselor Association) International Model for school counseling programs.
• Adapt lessons to the specific needs and developmental levels of the students.

Crisis Intervention, Child Protection, and Safeguarding

• Respond promptly to critical incidents and provide immediate support to students in crisis.
• Investigate and follow procedures to address child protection and safeguarding allegations.
• Utilize data to assess the impact of crises on student well-being and inform the development of prevention and response strategies.

Referrals

• Make referrals to external professionals, agencies, or specialized services, when necessary, based on data-informed decisions.

Consultation and Collaboration

• Work closely with teachers, administrators, and other school personnel to address student concerns and develop effective strategies for promoting students’ overall well-being.
• Share data and collaborate on data-driven initiatives to improve student outcomes.
• Provide support and guidance to teachers in implementing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula and/or Advisory programs. Collaborate with teachers and administrators to provide resources, training, and guidance on integrating SEL practices into classroom instruction and advisory periods.
• Collaborate with teachers to integrate SEL principles into prevention and education initiatives.

Parent Support

• Conduct parent workshops, seminars, and individual consultations to provide guidance and support in understanding and addressing their child’s social-emotional needs.
• Collaborate with parents to develop strategies for fostering positive home-school partnerships that promote student success.

Record Keeping and Documentation

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of counseling sessions, assessments, interventions, and referrals in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Use data management systems to organize and analyze data for program evaluation and reporting purposes.

Professional Development

• Stay updated on the latest research, therapeutic techniques, and best practices in counseling, SEL, and student well-being. Attend professional development workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance your knowledge and skills in data analysis, collaboration with parents, implementing SEL curricula, and supporting teachers.

Culture and Values

• Embrace NEOM’s culture and Values https://www.neom.com/en-us/about.
• Act with honesty and integrity by following best practices, and upholding the robust standards and expectations set out in NEOM’s Code of Conduct.
• Maintain fair, ethical and professional work practices in accordance with NEOM’s Values and Code of Conduct.
• Adhere to NEOM’s Policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with rules.

Experience & Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Experience

• Experience working as a counselor in an educational setting, preferably an international school.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
• Licensure or certification as a School Counselor.