The Position
The Guidance Counsellor and Vocational Training Coordinator (GCVTC) will provide careers and university guidance as well counselling to students in study habits and skills, behaviour management, emotional and wellbeing issues, as well as student moral and ethical character development. The GCVTC will also lead the development of a Vocational Training program for the UNEB section of the high school, and coordinate initial efforts in VT in 2025. The GCVTC will also coordinate the work placement initiative for the national section students.
All teachers shall create and foster a positive teaching and learning environment in their classrooms or work areas where every child is cared for and respected. Teachers assist each child to reach their highest potential in all areas of school life. encouraging children to work cooperatively together but also having the highest level of cooperation with teaching colleagues and the school administration.
Job Title:
Guidance Counsellor and Vocational Training Coordinator High School (national section)
Reports to:
Principal
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities for this role include:
Careers and University Counselling
- Help students develop a plan for their academic career that corresponds with their skills and interests.
- Conduct individual and group counselling sessions with students to discuss career goals, academic plans, and job search strategies.
- Develop and deliver workshops and presentations on career exploration, job search techniques, and resume writing.
- Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of job market trends and industry-specific information, and share with students to facilitate career decision-making.
- Compile information on Ugandan, East African and international universities and guide students in the selecting appropriate universities and in completing robust, high quality and timely applications.
- Support students in identifying and applying for university scholarships.
- Maintain an accurate database on university applications by existing students and provide a monthly report to the Principal and the CEO.
- Maintain an accurate database on the fields of study and universities attended by recent alumni (up to last ten years’ graduates) and provide a termly report to the Principal and the CEO.
Socio-Emotional, Well-being, Behavioural and Educational Support
- Assist students in developing effective study habits and time management skills.
- Provide counselling support to students experiencing social or emotional difficulties.
- Listen to students’ concerns about academic, emotional or social problems and assist students in understanding and overcoming social, behavioural or academic problems.
- Monitor and observe students to identify and address personal, emotional or social issues.
- Inform and advise parents of their children’s challenges and enable them to support their children.
- Refer students to health psychologists and other mental professionals for proper attention.
- Work with school leadership to implement programs for character development, moral and ethical behaviour, including anti-bullying and prevention of other undesirable behaviours and habits by students.
- Work with school leadership to implement the school code of conduct on a school-wide basis.
- Organize seminars to educate students/parents on sensitive topics such as drug or alcohol abuse, peer pressure and bullying.
- Serve as a resource for teachers, staff, and parents regarding the developmental needs of students.
- Be willingly involved in the wider cultural and sporting life of the school. Each teacher will help in Club and House activities. Promote student leadership and responsibility whenever possible.
- Provide a termly report to the Principal and the CEO on student issues dealt with, workshops and seminars held, and parent meetings held.
Work-Placement
- Partner with local employers to create and maintain strong relationships and provide students with opportunities for work placement, internships, job shadowing. Work out the modalities with partner employers to ensure work placements or internships are satisfying learning experiences for students.
- Ensure each eligible student receives a work placement. Monitor the behaviour and performance of each student during work placement and provide corrective action and counselling as necessary.
- Maintain a database and report on each student’s work placement history and experience on a termly basis to the Principal and CEO.
Coordination of Vocational Development Programs
- Work closely with the principal to develop a proposal for a Vocational Training program for the school, with phased implementation in 2025-2026.
- Develop partnerships with reputable providers to deliver vocational training programs at the school.
- Coordinate with the ICT/ICDL teacher and the principal to implement the ICDL and Cisco programs at the school in 2025.
Job Requirements
This job will require you to have:
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in School Counselling or higher or B.Ed. with Diploma in Guidance/Counselling.
- Certification in career counselling or similar credential.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a school counsellor.
Skills (technical/behavioural):
- Able to relate to teenagers and empathize with their problems and development needs.
- Able to provide effective solutions in addressing students’ academic, social, and behavioural issues.
- Able to relate positively with parents from a variety of backgrounds.
- Proficiency in use of Technology.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong understanding of various career assessment tools.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficiency with computer applications and career software.
- Professional behaviour and positive approach to job challenges.
Application Details:
Please send your current CV to vkatungye@steadmanglobal.com before the end of day 20th January 2025.
About Aga Khan Education Service Uganda
Aga Khan Education Service, Uganda (AKESU) is a Company Limited by Guarantee established in the 1930s that operates schools at the nursery, primary, and high school levels in Uganda. AKESU offers national and international curricula, and its current population is over 2,000 students and 150 full-time teaching staff.