Further Information
The Head of Student Wellbeing & Community Welfare provides strategic leadership and oversight of the school’s socio-emotional counselling services across both campuses. This role line-manages the counselling team and works in close collaboration with the Pastoral Coordinator, Learning Support, teaching staff, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and Primary and Secondary Principals.
As a member of the School Leadership Team, the role is responsible for ensuring that the social, emotional, and learning needs of all students are effectively supported. This is a highly visible, whole-school position requiring strong relationships with students, families, and staff to ensure continuity of care and to promote student wellbeing, growth, and success.
Your duties
1. Coordination and Leadership (30%)
* Lead and coordinate counselling services across the school, advocating for student wellbeing and support services
* Line manage the socio-emotional counselling team, including performance development and appraisal processes
* Promote and develop initiatives in social justice, equity, inclusion, and restorative practices
* Collaborate with Admissions regarding applicants requiring additional support services
* Ensure robust systems are in place to maintain confidentiality of student records and professional documentation
* Facilitate and contribute to regular student support meetings
* Serve as a member of the School Safeguarding Team
* Serve as a member of the Crisis Management Team
* Develop and maintain the Counselling Handbook and relevant sections of the school website
* Collaborate regularly with the School Nurse regarding students with medical and emotional needs
* Support student transitions into and out of the school, including participation in admissions processes where appropriate
* Partner with Primary and Secondary leadership on transition programmes (e.g. Grade 5 to Grade 6)
* Support the implementation and development of the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programme
* Identify and address professional development needs within the counselling and student support teams
2. Secondary School Counsellor (70%)
* Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, and leadership to support student wellbeing
* Maintain a strong understanding of day-to-day student experiences and emerging challenges
* Participate in student support meetings and contribute to planning for individual students (e.g. IEPs, interventions)
* Design and deliver wellbeing lessons aligned with the SEL curriculum in collaboration with the counselling team and Pastoral Coordinator
* Provide individual and group counselling using a range of appropriate interventions, including:
o Crisis intervention
o Social/emotional counselling
o Mediation
o Academic support
o Parent/family guidance
* Meet regularly with the Pastoral Coordinator to ensure aligned support for students of concern
* Partner with Secondary leadership on:
o Mentor group placements
o Student progression (e.g. Grade 10 to 11, IB pathways, HSD considerations)
* Provide consultation and strategies to staff managing complex student situations
* Refer students through established support processes where needed
* Support staff wellbeing through guidance, resources, and confidential consultation
* Contribute to ongoing discussions with leadership regarding student wellbeing and support services
* Provide training and guidance to staff in inclusion and student support practices
* Take on occasional teaching responsibilities related to wellbeing, modelling best practice
Your profile
Qualifications and Experience
* Master’s degree in counselling, psychology, family therapy, school counselling, or a related field
* Professional membership (e.g. American Psychological Association, American School Counselor Association, or equivalent)
* Extensive knowledge of child and adolescent development
* Proven counselling experience in a school setting
* Demonstrated leadership and management experience in an educational environment
* Experience in teaching wellbeing, psychology, or related subjects
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Experience advocating for inclusion and student support services
* Understanding of the needs of multilingual/EAL learners
* Understanding of the challenges faced by students in transition
Key Competencies
* Leadership and team development
* Strategic thinking and systems design
* High emotional intelligence and discretion
* Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills
* Commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing
* Cultural competence in an international school environment
About us
The Bavarian International School gAG (BIS) is a private, non-profit all-day school with two campuses in the north of Munich (Haimhausen) and in Schwabing. 1,250 students from 70 nations attend the IB World School. Under the motto "Believe. Inspire. Succeed", students enjoy a holistic, personalised and innovative education in English. Intercultural competence, cooperative learning, global responsibility and international mindedness characterise the philosophy of BIS with around 240 teachers and staff.