Counsellor Secondary School (Maternity leave cover)

United World College Maastricht Secondary School

Job Location:

Maastricht - Netherlands

Monthly Salary: € 3644 - 6432

Posted on: 3 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

UWC makes education a force to unite people nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future

UWC Maastricht

We offer a challenging and engaging education for students from all age groups equipping them with the attitudes skills and knowledge to live a meaningful and flourishing life. The UWC Maastricht educational experience is about knowing and acting. We nurture an understanding of the world and its major challenges and help students discover how they can serve others and make a positive contribution to society and the planet. We currently serve over 900 students from more than 100 countries 200 of whom live in our residential community on campus.

Due to thetemporarynature of thisvacancywe can only employ local staff with a work permit or EU passport.

The successful profile & qualifications

Commitment

Pursuing the UWC mission requires a commitment from our staff members to the following values:
International and cultural understanding celebration of difference personal responsibility and integrity mutual responsibility and respect compassion and service respect for the environment a sense of idealism personal challengeactionand personal example.
It should be noted that the school is a dynamic and high energy environment: the satisfaction from working at UWC Maastricht is high but so are the demands on time and engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

The Counsellor provides students with the skills in the personal - social - emotional - and academic domains to foster optimal adjustment and development throughout school and prepare for readiness to transition into life after school.

This position participates in a team of counsellors and collaborates alongside other specialists. Aspects of the job include but are not limited to the following:

Prevention (Care plan Level one):

Contributing to the implementation of a Universal School-Based Prevention Programme (Universal Prevention) for students Directors Heads of Department and Heads of Year (pastoral staff) tutors/classroom teachersresidence mentors and outside agencies: Monitor that the programme is evidence-based and effectively targets the development of appropriate social emotional and academic readiness skills
Support tutors and teachers in their delivery of care to students (e.g. identify helpful resources provide training opportunities support with monitoring and tracking).
Being integrated and visible within the wider school community (i.e. participating in activities such as day trips/camps attending staff meetings being present at parents evenings and other social functions)
Participating in coordinating and conducting activities that contribute to the effective operation of the counselling program (e.g. advertising the services; evaluation and planning)

Contribute to Professional Development sessions as requested by the Deputy Director of Student Wellbeing

Prevention (Care Plan Level two):

Designing implementing and delivering targeted services (Targeted Prevention):

Observations and communication with teachers to identify specific needs of students
Implement evidence-based programmes for targeted small group
Early intervention preventative counselling meetings to support students whose difficulties have the potential to escalate.
Consulting with teachers parents/guardians and other staff regarding the needs of the students.

Support and training to other UWCM staff as part of universal support on topics including:

Referral to school-based counselling services
Early detection of signs of Childhood Abuse and Neglect and Safeguarding Procedures
Techniques for socio-emotional support within the classroom
Behavioral classroom management techniques
Training for tutors/ residence mentors as requested by the leadership team

Intervention (Care Plan Level three):

Provide individual counselling in accordance with laws and regulations in the Netherlands and international best practice (e.g. ASCA guidelines) such as crisis intervention and counselling of students with identified socio-emotional needs as needed.
Assume an advocate role for each students socio-emotional wellbeing at UWCM by being responsible for appropriate information dissemination and by contributing to the design implementation monitoring and adjustment of individual support plans.
Referring to outside professionals and liaising with outside agencies such as School Doctors RIAGG and General Practitioners.
Collaborating with caregivers (e.g. provide parent guidance and regular contact).
Evaluating the efficacy of interventions on an ongoing basis.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Hasa completedBachelor Degreeand aspecializedMaster Degreein the field ofPsychology.
Has proven hands-on experience preferably in an international school.
Has the ability to create a well-organizedorderlyand task-oriented environment.
Isan excellent team player and an independent thinker.
Creates an atmosphere of trust by dealing with students in apositiveand open way
Communicates with stakeholders in a clear manner and coordinates with parents and others involved in the education and development of the students
Reflects regularly on the development of personal and professional capabilities
Computer literacy
Fluent in English

Safeguarding

UWC Maastricht is committed to upholding the highest standards in student safeguarding. Throughout the application process we will be assessing your suitability to work with children and young adults. Prior to an offer of employment being made UWC Maastricht will check directly with current and former employers about safeguarding.

UWC Maastricht recruits qualified and experienced staff from around the world who are committed to our schools mission to make education a force for peace and a sustainable future.

Terms of Employment / Remuneration

You will get a contract of employment under Dutch law: as this is maternity cover the contract will be a fulltime position from 1 May 2026 until 31 December 2026.

The package will be commensurate with the responsibilities of the position according to the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Secondary Education (CAO VO). The salary in pay scale 11 ranges from 3644- to 6432- for a full time position based on relevant experience.

Participation in the schools pension plan via the ABP Retirement/Pension Fund.

Location: UWC Maastricht the Netherlands.

To be able to work in the Netherlands a (foreign) staff member must be able to successfully apply for:

A Dutch VOG (certificate of good conduct).
Police clearance from foreign country of residence (if applicable).

UWCM will assist in the application process for a VOG.

Information

If you would like to know more about this challenging position please contact our HR Team via

Our procedure

After shortlisting we determine the suitability of the remaining candidates to work in our school via reference checks and interviews at our school or online.

As per our Hiring Policy Safeguarding is a priority of UWCM and therefore all references will be asked questions in this area.

The deadline for application is 31 January 2026.

NOTE:We reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline.

UWC makes education a force to unite people nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable futureUWC MaastrichtWe offer a challenging and engaging education for students from all age groups equipping them with the attitudes skills and knowledge to live a meaningful and flourishing life. The UWC Ma...