Wellbeing Coordinator
Nadi, Fiji
Start date: October 2024
Curriculum: IB
The School
Established in 1992, this is an independent, coeducational, non-profit school for students aged 3-18 years. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum School, accredited IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes aim to develop our students into resilient, empathetic and inquisitive individuals who think critically and creatively, with the courage and conviction to take positive action locally and globally.
A diverse community of almost 260 students and 37 teaching staff represents 25 different nationalities. As an open admissions school, they pride themselves on creating a nurturing, balanced and inclusive learning environment where each student is empowered to reach their full potential. Teachers work with classes ranging from 8-24 students in a supportive and collaborative environment where staff wellbeing, autonomy and professional growth are valued.
The school campus is located in Nadi, the tourism hub of the Fiji Islands. Although a small community, Nadi provides a range of opportunities for short island vacations along with activities like hiking, water sports and zip
lining.
Role and Requirements
The school is seeking to appoint a committed, experienced and passionate Wellbeing
Coordinator to commence in October 2024. The Wellbeing Coordinator plays a vital role in promoting mental health and fostering a culture of wellness that supports the emotional and social development of all students and staff. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing confidential counselling services to students and staff, overseeing wellbeing initiatives that align with the school's mission and values, collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team to maintain a cohesive approach to student wellbeing, organising and/or delivering professional development that promotes a positive school culture that prioritises mental health and contributing to the design and delivery of the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum across the entire school, ensuring that it effectively addresses the wellbeing needs of all students.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Diploma in Counselling
- A minimum of one year of experience in a counselling role
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Further therapeutic training and/or postgraduate qualifications
- Prior experience of working in a school setting and/or with children and young people.
- Experience of safeguarding and child protection procedures and policies
Required Personal Skills & Values
- A strong understanding of and commitment to the philosophy and values of the IB organisation, particularly in relation to mental health and wellbeing.
- A deep passion for promoting wellbeing within the school community, fostering an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and understood.
- Proficiency in leveraging technology and resources specifically to enhance student and staff mental health and wellbeing.
- Familiarity with various counselling approaches to effectively address diverse student needs.
- Ability to support individuals facing a diverse range of mental health challenges, including bereavement, self-harm, depression, anxiety, early developmental trauma, attachment disorders, and abuse.
- Ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues, parents, and students to provide guidance and support, creating a learning environment that prioritises mental wellbeing.
- Possesses a kind and compassionate disposition, with the capability to handle challenging situations with tact, empathy, and care.
- Inspires trust and confidence among students, parents, and colleagues through consistent support, encouragement, and reliability .
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate uncertainty with flexibility, resilience, and a positive outlook.
- Demonstrates initiative and the ability to independently manage their own caseload of wellbeing and mental health support.
- Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- A commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting integrity within the school community.
- A lifelong love of learning and enthusiasm for ongoing personal and professional growth in the field of mental health and wellbeing.
- Willingness to actively and enthusiastically contribute to wider school life, including involvement in extracurricular activities, excursions, camps and school-wide events that support student wellbeing.
Compensation & Benefits
The successful candidate will receive:
- A fortnightly salary reflecting their qualifications and experience.
- Discounted school tuition for dependents.
- Internationally recruited candidates will also receive a settling-in allowance
- Basic health insurance,
- Annual return flights to home country
- A monthly housing allowance.
- A healthy professional development budget that aims to build IB expertise, reflective teaching practice and leadership skills. Staff are involved in offsite, onsite, and online workshops and conferences.