Career Guidance Counsellor

Job description

GEMS School of Research & Innovation is seeking an experienced careers guidance counsellor. The post commences January 2027.

Key responsibilities:

Working with students individually or in groups, career development professionals may:

Help students identify educational requirements and develop training plans

Facilitate and/or lead career management and career decision-making workshops

Help students develop a better appreciation of their unique characteristics and how those characteristics relate to career choices

Use various assessment tools to help students identify their interests, values, beliefs, lifestyle preferences, aptitudes and abilities, and relate them to the world of work and tertiary education

Facilitate and/or lead workshops on, and assist students with, implementing effective employment search strategies, writing résumés, and developing career portfolios and interview skills

Work cooperatively with local agencies, businesses and other organizations involved in providing career planning resources

Work cooperatively with local and international universities and educational providers in utilising the various support programmes and opportunities they provide as part of an enrolment process

Work with students who have disabilities, language and cultural differences, or other special needs that affect their employment prospects

Provide current labour market information to help students make realistic occupational or employment decisions

Market students to potential employers and help students find work experience placements

Plan and implement career and employment-related programs

Refer students to appropriate services to address their particular needs

Perform related administrative tasks such as keeping records

Skills description

Personal characteristics

Career development professionals need the following characteristics:

Genuine interest in and respect for people from all walks of life

Patience, understanding and the ability to listen non-judgmentally

Excellent oral and written communication skills and presentation skills

Objectivity and tact

The ability to motivate and inspire students

The ability to facilitate communication in groups of eight to 20 people

Excellent organizational and planning skills

The ability to work effectively with other professionals and community agencies

They should enjoy consulting with people, compiling information and working with clients to develop innovative solutions to problems.

Educational requirements:

A minimum of Bachelor degree is required in a related discipline such as psychology, social work or related subject.

Ideally the candidate will also have a certificate, diploma or degree in career development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.